SONGS 313

(c) The theme is worded as if the dancer were listening to the supernatural
beings discussing the call which they proposed to send down. The uninitiated
are led to believe that she actually has this ability.

(d@) Referring to the supernatural beings.

(e) The implication is that the power of the dancer is so great, and the rite so
dangerous, that even the supernatural beings themselves are afraid.

(f) The discussion is so animated and on such an important subject that the
faces of the participants take on strained expressions.

(g) When a Bella Coola meeting is being held, those who hold similar views
usually group themselves together.

(4) A man of forceful character has expressed himself and the others concur.

Second Song Used for Sninikkat kes, @ Bella Coola Fungus Dancer(a)

A stitstutstilogo ixtasamsmayemket® ské-ttimquwiainuxits
It is true what my mother | recounted to me(é); has opened to me
aiyawasoyo-nx” ‘ats
Sonx™*(c).
[WORDLESS CHORUS]
B Yao kaqwixométsk‘gottsaix | oftciétundmk’timisaix
He(d) told me to raise my head to see what he was holding(e),

tcisixwismakiaoats sawaquixwaixiats
the model(/) of the gathering above(g).
[WoRDLESs CHORUS]
C Sqwalxotixomalaoats | dmitkusdimutalats | yao disiksnalosdjot‘tao

Bent their heads together(4) | all the chiefs(i); those of lesser prestige

Gnusxixitlewamiats
fled away in fear, unable to participate(j).

(2) Recorded as song VII D 25a, National Museum of Canada; singer, Jim
Pollard. This song, composed by Peter Nelson, was used during the kusiut season
of 1923-4.

(4) This was the second song used when Smmkka*hus danced, and the theme
follows, to a certain extent, the first one. The uninitiated are led to believe that
the dancer was able to see what her mother had described to her in previous years.

(c) That is: Sonx”‘ has opened to me.

(@) Referring to a supernatural being, probably the dancer’s patron.

(e) It was impossible to obtain an individual translation for each of these sub-
divisions. The implication is that the dancer was sitting with head bowed on her
chest when the supernatural one bade her look upward to see what he was holding
out to her in his hand.

(f) Model is a poor translation. The reference is to the rite above on which the
dancer patterned her performance.

(g) A reference to the gathering of the supernatural beings.

(4) As if in secret and animated discussion.