274. THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS

(d) Referring to the expected guests.

(e) The literal translation is that it is full of water, but the meaning refers to
the large amount of olachen grease prepared for the occasion.

(f) A euphuistic reference to the amount of food about to be given away.

(g) A reference to the expected guests.

Stsaok Song Composed for Spuxspuxta, a Kimsquit Woman(a)

A Stinitxétimutinu aiatcistin-akésats | Aitétatsgalosamsdai
Why are you adorning | my mother (4)? Is almost ready to seize (¢c) me
yourself,

yao dik’tittinusudai
what was sent down for me (4).

[WORDLESS CHORUS]

xwanutskwalsdénuats
what is heavy for your house(e)

B Nimnumékdimutit
Carry with both your hands

dilisutsum:-ddi*™ ‘dai

repay them with food.

Gtdiostwainuxtixdai
when the guests enter,

[WORDLESS CHORUS]
C The third part has been forgotten.

(a) Recorded as song VII D 12b, National Museum of Canada; singer, Jim

Pollard.

(6) The text is worded as if a girl were addressing her mother about an approach-
ing potlatch.

(c) As an eagle grips its prey.

(d) Meaning: My crest is almost ready to seize me.

(e) A reference to the goods prepared for the potlatch.

Song of Nusxemda when Initiated into the Sisaok Society(a)

A Thitinaoita
Come,

sawasamsmamiles
a story (3).

Hapotstsandai
he is about to start

“- sae 3? .
sadnutsaiinmipdai
come and hear,

[WORDLESS CHORUS]

xwadsetsalant-isats
alter his re-echoings (d).

wasdnalaitim
when he can

B Qexmdagodai
He is pleased

aiyasetsélinisudai

Echo(c)

[WORDLESS CHORUS]

C Qaiyimétsandai yao skabxwotsam-imsudai | Diaiyailaixsandai
They(e) will start | to laugh at him(f). | Even now he is starting

satalqwaxwalosas
to imitate Raven(g).