WINTER CEREMONIAL DANCES 223

Anolikwotsaix, and two of the supernatural Clowns. In addi_
tion a white disk, about four feet in diameter, is ordered with a
human face in the centre; this represents the Sun with Afgun-
tém. No detailed description is required until the night of
nebusam.

The kukusiut gather in the dusk and summon the unini-
tiated as soon as all is in readiness. On entering, they see the
huge and imposing figure of Afguntim standing in the centre
of the space behind the fire, fanked by a number of the most
important kukusiut as if to pay respect to him. X stands im-
mediately behind, repeatedly throwing one arm over Algun-
tam’s head and crying hoid to soothe the visitor. The two
Clowns move to and fro, all over the house, making what re-
marks they like as if they were spoilt children. Ano likwotsaix
stands on one side, explaining the meaning of it all, and giving
the names of the supernatural beings represented. Suddenly
the white disk appears against the back wall near the roof,
slowly passes sunwise across the house, and disappears. The
uninitiated recognize that it is not the Sun, but to them it
seems miraculous that this body can move as it does, and they
easily accept dno°likwoisaix’s explanation that this is the way
Aiqunidm crosses the heavens. They do not know that for the
last two days the carpenters have been exercising their ingenu-
ity in arranging cords so that the object can be drawn across
smoothly and steadily. Again the sun “rises,” and crosses the
back wall, only to.disappear from sight. This is repeated twice
more, making four times in all. It is said that sometimes the
Sun is made to spin just before it ‘sets,’ but the method could
not be learnt. At this juncture the uninitiated are sent home
and the proceedings conclude as usual.

In addition to performing in the customary manner, X is
tequired to dance on other definite occasions, without the
coming of a call. According to some informants, X must sing
of his patron at the beginning of the ceremonial season, coin-
cidently with the protégé of Nodkxnm. This is probably cor-
rect but details were unobtainable. In any case, when the