ABSTRACT
The Eskimos have provided authors in anthropology wi th many examples of groups in which social control was accomplished on the basis of in formal and ad hoc interaction patterns rather than explicit judicial institutions. Quarrels were resolved by prowess, either in a wrestling match or in a public song contest which took the form of attempts to out-ridicule one's opponent. (The latter example refers, of course, to the famous "nith contest" of the central and eastern Eskimos.) At all times, in the background of social action, was the influence and threat of the strong and aggressive man, successful in hunting, whose reputa tion was an important factor in coercive control of behavior in the small band. Also, such men were often shamans, which added a supernatural element to their image of power. Finally, the elders were an important source of advice, restraint, and mediation.
