WINTER CEREMONIAL DANCES 143

supposed to have taught them, he appears, supported by two
kukusiut, and attempts to dance, but is too feeble to do more
than be assisted around the fire, feebly shaking his hands. He
retires, but comes forth once more as the singers beat out the
song of regular kusiut type composed for him and which his
fellows have practised. If two have been composed, he appears
a third time. After X has finally withdrawn, the ritual pro-
ceeds in the usual manner, by the dancing of every kusiut who
has had a call in time to his two songs. It is late before all have
danced; then the uninitiated are given a little food and sent
away. The kukusiut eat more leisurely, and listen to the ad-
monitions of the marshals. On account of the solemnity of the
occasion, their words of wisdom are even more grandiloquent
than usual. The following may be regarded as a typical
address:

“You have done well, ye Rukusiut, in thus carrying out the
ceremony so admirably. I thank you. You have done well x
you have done as our fathers did. None of you must ever
forget the precepts and example of our fathers who have
handed down this rite from dim antiquity. Perhaps when we
marshals are dead some of you will become careless and want
to alter the ceremonial. Do not dream of anything so foolish.
The proper method is that which you have just seen. Try no
other.”

When the marshals have finished, X dances once again, and
the weary kukusiut at length disperse.

The next day, or rather later in the same day, for it is long
after midnight before the ceremony is completed, is eSusam.
Many of the kukusiut assemble in X’s house about four o’clock
in the afternoon to try on the masks and attend to the innumer-
able details. A representation of Ano'likwotsaix is always
Prepared, as well as those of Aguntdm, Sexsexkalaix, and
Snuslkals. The last-named is the “‘Wise One,” “He of Whom
Questions are Asked,” the supernatural being who decides
Points of ritual in the dances in the land above. No paint is
used on his mask, but a coloured effect is obtained by means