WINTER CEREMONIAL DANCES 185

Sigalusndm is the rain that accompanies a thunder-storm,
hence the water with which the audience was soaked.

There next comes forth an actor wearing a man’s mask and
carrying in his hands a sounding-board and beating-sticks, as if
he were a singer, ready to perform at a ceremony. He arranges
these in place, constantly glancing back over his shoulder to-
wards the enclosure, then calls, and out jumps Nixds, wearing
a mask which makes his face appear long and very narrow. He
shuffles his feet, moves his head from side to side, sways his
body to and fro as if he were starting a spectacular dance,
finally gyrates wildly for a very short period, without accom-
paniment from the man who preceded him, and then goes
back to the enclosure instead of circling the fire. The apparent
singer picks up his equipment and follows his principal out of
sight. AnoVikwoisaix explains that Nixps is a most spectacular
supernatural dancer, who was unwilling to give an exhibition
of his full skill on this occasion.

Meanwhile preparations have been made for the second
appearance of Thunder. The large mask is so heavy and con-
stricts the breath to such an extent that very few men are
strong enough to bear it for more than two dances around the
fire. The first wearer has now transferred his disguise to a
second man of about the same build, and when the matting is
again drawn aside, it is to disclose Thunder standing on his
raised box as before. Often a few variations are introduced;
instead of extending his arms to attract his power, he may
simply revolve with waving arms and turning head. When
ready, he signals to those with drums and beating-sticks, then
jumps down with a crash which is echoed by all the noise-
making contrivances in the house. Thunder dances around
the fire much as upon his first appearance, and inhales strength
from the smoke of the central fire before returning to the raised
box. He receives the rattle containing smouldering bark, and
once more circles the house; after that he withdraws and the
matting is pulled into place. Sigalusném comes forth and
drenches the audience with water, but 40°likwotsaix does not