The whale was as important to these people as the buffalo was to the Plains people, and it
was treated with equal respect. Only the high-ranking men of the society could hunt whales,
a very dangerous activity considering that whales can weigh as much as 40 tons. Before
whaling, they conducted ceremonies to ensure the cooperation of the whale. As the
harpooned whale was brought to shore, the whole village came to meet it and honor it as a
guest. |