« The consulting of oracles so as to determine where and when to hunt and to know the future with reference to the weather, illness, and personal matters was extremely important to the Lake St. John Montagnais. It is a subject that has been discussed in considerable detail by Speck (1935, pp. 138-147). A more recent discussion of the subject, with a different interpretation, is found in Tanner (1979, ch. 6). » Vanstone, James W. "The Speck Collection of Montagnais Material Culture from the Lower St. Lawrence Drainage, Quebec." Fieldiana. Anthropology. New Series, No. 5 (October 29, 1982), p.19. « A single pair of otter's feet was used in a tossing-up divination, usually with reference to otter hunting. The two feet, placed facing each other palm to palm, were tossed into the air. If they came down with the feet facing up, it was considered good, while the reverse was believed to indicate bad luck. A moderate amount of good luck could be expected if one foot came down one way and the other the opposite way (Speck, 1935, pp. 165-167). » Vanstone, James W. "The Speck Collection of Montagnais Material Culture from the Lower St. Lawrence Drainage, Quebec." Fieldiana. Anthropology. New Series, No. 5 (October 29, 1982), p.20.

Museum Purchase: Funds Provided by Native American Council and Native American Acquisitions Fund.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Museum Expedition 1930, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund and the Museum Collection Fund

Anonymous Donor.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Museum Purchase: Indian Collection Subscription Fund, Rasmussen Collection of Northwest Coast Indian Art.