WINTER CEREMONIAL DANCES 161

beating of sticks. The plating over his stomach is not apparent
in the dim light, especially as much of it is hidden by his collar
of dyed cedar-bark and a broad dance-apron. Sometimes the
disguise is improved by fastening the skin of a dog, mountain
goat, or deer, over the outer surface. X takes up his position,
standing, behind the fire. One of the heralds inserts tongs into
the flames and draws forth a stone, taking care that the unini_
tiated can see that it is red hot. X pretends to swallow this,
though actually it drops inside his collar to the receptacle
between the plates of copper. The clashing can often be heard
as it strikes against the metal, and smoke pours forth from the
“navel.” X groans and jabbers, i..... » while he shakes
his fingers violently. After about five minutes the stone is seen
to fall to the floor. Sometimes a number of pebbles are used,
though one is often considered sufficient. When the last has
fallen, non-members are expelled and the kukusiut eat and
listen to the admonitions of the marshals.

As with other Ausiotem rites, the ritual of this dance is
continued for four more days. Masks are prepared and on
the fourth evening the uninitiated are summoned. A masked
figure, wearing a copper stomach, appears and swallows a
stone which later falls out through the navel. This is done
four times, while Zno°likwolsaix explains that the guest from
above is repeating his actions at home. Following this per-
formance, a procession of supernatural beings appears, in the
manner already described.

Although X is not killed by this dance, as are other kusiotem
dancers, he is required to undergo the same restrictions.

THE FUNGUS DANCE

Another of the more important kusiut ceremonials is the
Fungus dance, now the prerogative of a woman, Snumkka*hes.
The name was formerly held by her brother, who had inherited
it from his mother’s brother. The first Snumkka*kis came to
earth in the beginning of time at Stuux and made his repository