238 THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS

natural, any of them can act in this capacity, though it is
usually added that the animal in question is the one resident
in the land above. One patron of this type is the ordinary
river bull-head. It is said that long ago this fish wanted to
follow his friends, the salmon, to the ocean, but was persuaded
to remain in the river to act as nurse to their children in his
house, the river bottom. Early in the world’s history he
objected to people exposing his dwelling, that is, pulling up the
stones from the river-bed where he was wont to lie, and showed
his resentment by sending a very cold wind. Ever since that
time boys are not allowed to fish for bull-heads in winter. As
far as could be learnt, this dance has no special features.

THE DANCE OF THE SUPERNATURAL HERRING-HEAD

One of the supernatural beings living in the land above who
is patron for a certain kusiut is the head of a female herring.
Little is known of this being, even her appearance is subject to
doubt. For the zebusam of her protégé, a number of masks
representing herring, as well as human-like beings, are pre-
pared. When the uninitiated are present, one of the disguised
figures calls to his fellows to bring their nets and capture the
fish.

THE DANCE OF THE SUPERNATURAL DOG SALMON

Another fish dwelling in the land above is Dakdakanus, the
supernatural dog salmon. He is patron of some kusiut but the
ritual of the dance, known as osndxmunaix, was not obtained.
The similarity between Dakdakanus and Dakdakdnmem, those
who await Nodkxnum, appears merely to be an accidental re-
semblance in terminology, dependent upon a stem meaning
“to come,” or “coming.” The significance of this in connection
with the supernatural dog salmon could not be ascertained.

THE DANCE OF Aimogttaikila
In Kimsquit it is believed that dnoVikwotsaix has a hus-
band, Amogitaikila, who is patron for several kusiut dancers.
His function is to restore to life any uninitiated who chance to