WINTER CEREMONIAL DANCES 37

ceives two prerogatives at his initiation, one from each parent,
or from some other interested relative. In this case both are
expounded. The singers listen intently, knowing that they
will later be called upon to compose songs on the theme, or
themes. According to some informants they immediately sing
one, as if they had just created it, though it was really prepared
in advance. The kukusiut listen until they have mastered it.

Helpers now distribute the food provided by X’s father,
or whoever is responsible for his initiation. At every kusiut
ceremonial the marshals are the first recipients, then the
singers, and finally the others without distinction. As the
guests are eating, X’s father gives presents to all, without
deference to rank. An announcer calls out:

“Here are [for example] ten bear-skins from X’s mother.
They are to obtain for him his cedar-bark bracelets.”

These goods are then distributed. Similarly other gifts
from various relatives are handed out for his anklets, his
blanket, his collar, his head-dress, and all other parts of his
clothing. As each item of his ceremonial costume js validated,
X dons the prepared article. A novice’s head-dress consists
of a round roll of dyed cedar-bark, covering a grass frame; in
Stuux and the other villages of the upper valley this is decor-
ated with a tuft of swan’s down. The dukusiut of these villages
also wear a distinctive decoration consisting of a swan’s skin
with the feathers attached. In recent years it has been cus-
tomary to pile all the goods together and distribute them as
aiq*i?, which has the significance of “something that has van-
ished for the novice’s dyed cedar-bark.”” Theoretically, the
aim of the donor is to bestow his presents on all equally, but
if he finds that he has some remaining, he gives these to the
chiefs, or to the relatives of someone whom he expects will soon
be a novice. None of the goods used in general distributions
are returnable, but a chief who receives an extra gift at the
end usually remembers from whom it was received and cancels
his indebtedness at the earliest opportunity. There is no close
connection between the disbursements and the worth of the