CHAP. X ]
C H R I S T O P H E R COLUMBUS.
369
titute of reflection, as not to be impressed with the conviction of an overruling deity.
A nation of atheists never existed.
It was
soon discovered that these islanders had their creed, though of a vague and simple nature.
They believed in one supreme being,
inhabiting the sky, who was immortal, omnipotent, and invisible; to whom they ascribed an origin, who had a mother, but no father.*
They never addressed their worship directly to him,
but employed inferior deities, called Zemes, as messengers and mediators.
Each cacique had his tutelar deity of this order,
whom he invoked and pretended to consult in all his public undertakings, and who was reverenced by his people.
He had a
house apart, as a temple to this deity, in which was an image of his Zemi, carved of wood or stone, or shaped of clay or cotton, and generally of some monstrous and hideous form. Each family and each individual had likewise a particular Zemi, or protecting genius, like the Lares and Penates of the ancients.
They were
placed in every part of their houses, or carved on their furniture; some had them of a small size, and bound them about their fore heads when they went to battle.
They believed their Zemes to
be transferable, with all their powers, and often stole them from each other.
When the Spaniards came among them, they often
hid their idols, lest they should be taken away.
They believed
that these Zemes presided over every object in nature, each hav ing a particular charge or government.
They influenced the
seasons and the elements, causing sterile or abundant years; exciting hurricanes and whirlwinds, and tempests of rain and thunder, or sending sweet and temperate breezes and fruitful showers.
They governed the seas and forests, the springs and
fountains; like the Nereids, the Dryads, and Satyrs of antiquity. * Escritura de Fr. Roman.
VOL. I.
A A
Hist, del Almirante.