Editing Inuit religion (section)

=== Caribou Inuit ===
[[Caribou Inuit]] is a collective name for several groups of inland Inuit (the Krenermiut, Aonarktormiut, Harvaktormiut, Padlermiut, and Ahearmiut) living in an area bordered by the [[tree line]] and the west shore of [[Hudson Bay]]. They do not form a political unit and maintain only loose contact, but they share an inland lifestyle and some cultural unity. In the recent past, the Padlermiut took part in seal hunts in the ocean.<ref>[[#Gab70|Gabus 1970]]:145</ref>

The Caribou have a [[soul dualism|dualistic concept of the soul]]. The soul associated with respiration is called ''umaffia'' (place of life)<ref name="K&S8518">[[#KlSo85|Kleivan & Sonne 1985]]:18</ref> and the personal soul of a child is called ''tarneq'' (corresponding to the ''nappan'' of the Copper Inuit). The tarneq is considered so weak that it needs the guardianship of a name-soul of a dead relative. The presence of the ancestor in the body of the child was felt to contribute to a more gentle behavior, especially among boys.<ref>[[#Gab70|Gabus 1970]]:111</ref> This belief amounted to a form of [[reincarnation]].<ref name="K&S8518"/><ref>[[#Gab70|Gabus 1970]]:212</ref>

Because of their inland lifestyle, the Caribou have no belief concerning a Sea Woman. Other cosmic beings, named Sila or Pinga, control the [[Reindeer|caribou]], as opposed to marine animals. Some groups have made a distinction between the two figures, while others have considered them the same. Sacrificial offerings to them could promote luck in hunting.<ref>[[#KlSo85|Kleivan & Sonne 1985]]:31, 36</ref>

Caribou angakkuit performed [[fortune-telling]] through ''qilaneq'', a technique of asking questions to a ''qila'' (spirit). The angakkuq placed his glove on the ground and raised his staff and belt over it. The qila then entered the glove and drew the staff to itself. Qilaneq was practiced among several other Alaskan Native groups and provided "yes" or "no" answers to questions.<ref>[[#Ras65|Rasmussen 1965]]:108, [[#KlSo85|Kleivan & Sonne 1985]]:26</ref><ref>[[#Gab70|Gabus 1970]]:227–228</ref>