Summary

In this chapter, Hyde continues his discussion of Kula gift exchange, along with a few Native American rituals, as a means of exploring the strange manner in which a gift that is consumed or used up is also said to increase or give life. He is particularly interested in the mythological salmon fishing practices of a few American Indian tribes along the Pacific coast. When the salmon first appear in the rivers at the beginning of the fishing season, they are given an elaborate welcome reminiscent of a standard potlach ceremony. These first fish are treated as if they were high-ranking members of a visiting tribe. A priest parades them to an altar, makes a speech of gratitude, and then gives a piece of the fish to every person in the tribe to eat and consume. Importantly...