But this was not necessary to the original belief.

The objection often raised by savages to having their photographs taken or pictures painted may be explained in the same manner.

Here the photograph or picture cannot be realised as a simple imitation; it is held to be the man himself, and must therefore contain part of his life.

Hence any one in whose possession it is can do him harm by injuring or destroying the photograph or picture, according to the method of reasoning already explained.

The superstitions against looking in a mirror, especially after dark, or seeing one's reflection in water, are analogous cases.