130 BRITISH COLUMBIA.

destructive violence by a rope round his body (to hold which was counted a
nobility privilege), though even then he would tear dogs and devour their flesh.

The Bella Coola also claimed independent origin for one of their Secret
Societies, said to have been imparted to an ancestor by two deities—the one male,
the other female. The insignia worn at this dance, consisting of peculiarly
carved head-dresses and of special rattles, were held particularly sacred; the
right to their use being very strictly regulated.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP.

The origin of the complex system of membership is traced to a combination
of the methods of acquiring guardian spirits and certain intricacies of social
organization. ‘The ceremony of initiation was elaborate and prolonged, preceded
by fasting, purging, and other preparations. The bestowal of a new name was
part of the ceremony; the rank of the individual in the Society to which he was
admitted depending upon the dignity of this name. Many privileges in addition
to the secrets connected with the supernatural originator gave great prestige to
membership.

Qualifications for admission were varied and always safeguarded by strict
regulations. “They were acquired by inheritance, by marriage, by giving a great
potlatch, by a pronouncement of the Tribal Council that the honour had been
earned by a deed of valour; or a far-sighted father might raise the status of his
child from “commoner ” to “ middle-class man ” by securing for him initiation
by proxy at a very early age. Membership of more than one Secret Society was
usually limited to Chiefs, as a step up in rank was attained by each successive
initiation. In some cases the number of members was limited and admission was
possible only when a vacancy occurred by death.

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