CHAPTER II

SONGS :

Introductory — S.isaok Songs — Xe-tta Songs — A’ alk Songs —
Nusaxkamx Songs — Marriage Songs — Mourning Songs—
Shaman Songs — Kusiut Songs — Non-Ceremonial Songs

INTRODUCTORY

ae singing of songs is an essential part of all Bella Coola

rites so that a study of them is important, entirely apart
from their musical value. Their texts throw light on the
beliefs of the performers, on the aims of the ceremonies, and,
above all, give concrete instances of what the uninitiated are
led to believe. This is particularly true of those used in Ausiut
dances, and for this reason all songs have been deferred until
this chapter in which they can be grouped together.

The texts of songs are difficult to obtain. Snatches of many
are remembered, but few individuals are acquainted with the
complete version. A phonograph was used to record the music,
and it was soon found that very few people were qualified to
sing into the machine. Some became confused and forgot the
words; some began to laugh; and some lacked the poise to
attempt to sing. One elderly Kimsquit man, Jim Pollard, was
found to be the best and most reliable singer, and he was used
almost exclusively for phonographic work. Hence the records
are stamped with his musical technique. Others approached
his ability, but he alone preserved an art which had been
common in former days. Over one hundred songs were ob-
tained with the assistance of this man.

The text was always obtained before a song was sung into
the machine, thus assuring that the recorded version agreed
with the written words. Even with this check, the writing
down of songs is extremely difficult. Choral endings are widely
employed, consisting of non-essential suffixes inserted for
musical effect. It was often impossible to record these in the

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