Funny you should mention that.  In the Popol Vuh, Cab R'aqan sent
ants....

It has to do with coercing the person's spirit to do the job.  Although
a willing sacrifice is always to be preferred (like at Esquipulas), it's
easier to coerce someone, especially if they are already a slave or
captive.

Among many native groups, magical objects such as robes, medicine bags,
etc. are made by a medicine person who performs a special rite intended
to bind the spirit of the animal from which it was made, willing or not,
to serve as a magical ally of the owner.
I have also heard of trees being asked to willingly give their spirits
to create "living" masks or carvings.

I am delighted someone came up with contact info about the shoe
museum!


>>> [log in to unmask] 08/31/06 2:22 PM >>>
I cannot imagine why a slave crushed by a telephone pole would want to
come  
back in spirit form and protect the perpetrators. But I can see a
spirit  
bringing his buddies (fleas, ticks, cockroaches, mice, rats, scorpions,
 etc.).
 
Ron