SS Slee

236 THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS

but the Aukusiut all understand that later performances by
those with the same name are only possible with the assistance
of carpenters. This dance has not been carried out for so
many years that the details have been forgotten.

THE DANCE OF THE BIRDS

The Bella Coola notice that in autumn many of the birds
disappear, to be seen no more until spring. Ignorant of a
warmer climate to the south and of the causes of migration,
they explain the phenomenon by saying that 47guntdém collects
the birds in some mysterious place for the winter and releases
them in the spring. It is believed that he does the same with
supernatural birds in the land above. The setting free of the
birds, which is in effect a scattering, is known as nusqwekoti
and is personified; he is the patron of a kusiut named Qweta.
For the zebusam of this man’s dance a huge circular cage con-
taining wooden birds is constructed. By means of a regular
maze of hidden strings they are made to “‘fly,’”’ to the extreme
amazement of the uninitiated. This is one of the most com-
plicated Ausiut rites. Contrary to the usual practice, no eagle
down is used for fear that it might settle on the strings and
betray their existence to the spectators.

THE DANCE OF DARKNESS AND SLEEP

The patron of this dance is a being who has the power of
bringing nightfall, and later, sleep. In accordance with his
double function, a dual personality is attributed to him. In
fact, he is almost two beings; as Sizdiominit, ““Darkness,” he
causes night to come once every twenty-four hours, whereupon
as Stcitoma, he brings sleep. His kusiut protégé displays on
nebusam figures with black painted masks, representing both
phases of his patron.

THE DANCE OF THE WHIRLWIND
Whirlwinds, though of rare occurrence in British Columbia,
are known to the Bella Coola who believe that they are caused
by the being Sxuisiaxwanem. Like all supernatural creatures,