Bolvans wear clothes. They can be of male and female sex; the first are dressed in men’s clothes, the second in women’s, a hat, rings, and every kind of decoration.

There are bolvans for different purposes (which explains their large number): 1) for beautiful weather; 2) for a good catch; 3) for health; 4) for witchcraft if something is lost; 5) for different things.

When a Samoyed makes a sacrifice, he first cuts off the ears and throws them to the idols, for a good catch. He then peels off the skin, opens the underside, and spreads blood onto the faces of the idols. He lays the liver, lungs, fat, etc. in a clean dish for each idol and and puts them in front of the images of the god. After having waited half an hour, he takes the dishes away and starts eating out of the dishes himself. When nothing remains in the dish, they start eating the remainder of the reindeer. Women are not allowed to be nearby.  Finally, they cook [the rest] in a pot outside. What remains is brought to the tent for the women.