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Chapter Four. Religious Beliefs and Practices |
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In the language of Wakching the name of this deity is Gawang and in that of the Wanchu village of Niaunu it is Zangbau. Gawang means literally "Earth-Sky" and Zangbau means "Sky-Earth." Although the emphasis is different, both these names reflect the idea of a universal deity comprising or dominating both spheres of the world. To the Konyaks the name Gawang denoted not the spiritual essence of the universe but a deity of highly personal character associated with the sky more than with the earth. |
