Each object had its _zi_ or "spirit," like men and beasts; the _zi_ gave it its personality, and endowed it, as it were, with vital force.

The _zi_ corresponded with the _ka_ or "double" of the Egyptians, which accompanied like a shadow all things in heaven and earth.

The gods themselves had each his _zi_; it was this alone that made them permanent and personal.

With such a form of religion there could be neither deities nor priests in the usual sense of the words.

The place of the priest was taken by the sorcerer, who knew the spells that could avert the malevolence of the "spirits" or bring down their blessings upon mankind.
With the progress of civilisation, certain of the "spirits" emerged above the rest, and became veritable gods.