with Mbomvei, so in cases of sickness an Eghāp man may appeal directly to it. The patient sits or stands facing it, and with the index finger of the right hand strokes the corresponding finger of the left. This is done from the tip down to the third joint, then returning with a circular motion over the back of the hand (kwa ndzhop). He enquires of the sun what he has done to be allowed to fall ill, and since Mbomvei knows everything, he asks it to intercede for him. If he has misbehaved he knows that he will be punished. At night the moon may be appealed to in the same manner. In case of a dispute the sun may be called upon to mediate between the contending parties.
It is held generally by the Eghāp that a person is endowed with two souls, exclusive of the mbop. One of these, to which I will refer as the ghost (mizzing), is separable and is considered to be the same as the shadow,[1] and is able to leave the body during life. It was not found possible to obtain any clear idea as to the shape or form which the ghost takes, and the information given was very vague throughout. The general idea was that it is an entity which can assume any definite form it thinks fit, or else as a white or black being with curious features and deformities. Certain of the Eghāp stated that they had seen ghosts, but that they were quite indefinite in shape and form.
The second or inseparable soul (pforshei) is believed to be the exact counterpart of the human body and does not leave it until the moment of death. It leaves through the nose, assumes its shape as when it was in the living person, and then goes straight to the home of the dead (ngwū iyāp), where the other ngkongo pforshei of past and gone members of the tribe are said to be living. Here it is met by ngkongo pforshei of the former head-chiefs of the tribe, who issue the necessary instructions.
- ↑ The reflection in water and the shadow in the sun are believed to be synonymous.
