...superior power in person can mean:

1) God in person

2) Word made flesh (Holy Name/God in a bod, no additives or preservatives, 100% pure)

I don't see it meaning anything else, and I don't accept that it was just another Indian custom that came along for the ride.  It was a very, very powerful mind control device, to say in any terms, direct or indirect, that he was one with God 24/7.