WINTER CEREMONIAL DANCES 57

The next day is nebusam,® the twenty-seventh and final
day of the rite, and the most spectacular in every ceremonial.
Early in the morning a herald summons the wood-workers to
X’s house to complete the masks. At intervals throughout
the day kukustut come to discuss with X, the marshals, the
singers, and the carpenters the details of the evening cere-
monial. In fact, X has less to do with the arrangements than
any of those mentioned, unless he happens to be a kusiut of
long standing. The marshals usually decide who shall wear
the masks, although the maker of each is always consulted;
X himself never wears one at his own ceremony. The kusiut
who is to represent AnoVlikwoisaix must have the ability to
speak fluently and in a high-pitched voice supposedly like that
ofa woman. Strong men are required for some of the heavy
masks such as Thunder, but most may be used by anyone. A
person asked to wear one seldom refuses, although he is liable
to punishment in case of dropping it or any other accident.
No one marshal can dictate who shall wear a particular mask,
all these matters are arranged with endless discussion during
the day; stage management is not a highly developed Bella
Coola profession. The masks are completed by the afternoon
at latest, painted, and concealed behind a matting enclosure,
one of which is built in each rear corner of the house. Some.
times the back-room itself is used to hide the sacred objects
and only one shelter is constructed. The makers of the masks
remain there with them, to assist in tying them over the heads
of the wearers. Meanwhile all chips are swept up and burnt
and the house made tidy for the evening.

As twilight falls a herald goes to every house inviting the
kukusiut to assemble in X’s. The uninitiated gather outside
the door, waiting eagerly for the summons to enter and see the
wonders; their curiosity, and fear, piqued by the sound of a
whistle from within. But there are still delays; many of the
kukusiut wish to express themselves concerning the conduct of

*If the masks and other paraphernalia are not ready, several days may elapse
before nebusam. Every evening the kukusiut gather to practise the songs.