LK ———

300 THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS

datgipixim-idats
they all watched over

disnustkékidinitsdai
over my wash-basin(A);

B Nuyémibmlimiisik
They(g) sang

yeutukwalitnim
my shaman’s power(2).
[woRDLEss cHoRUs]
amdtagsamitsaix
there I saw

wanustukwalisda
the place of shaman’s power(/);

G Anuqwiktiumitsk
Became open

THtcéplitin-atsaix
THitcaplitan-a.

(2) This man received his name and his ability to cure the sick from Titcép-
litén-a about 1850. He was very ill, apparently on the point of death, at the time
of his visitation.

(4) Recorded as song VII D 45a, National Museum of Canada; singer, Jim
Pollard.

(c) The first part is worded as if supernatural beings were speaking.

(d) The reference is to the healing ability granted to shamans who have them-
selves been cured when seriously ill.

, (e) That is: Human beings. It is believed that a person can be cured only if
Ttitcaplitin-a or some other supernatural being implant within the patient’s body
some of the healing power.

(f) The two choruses of this song have different tunes, an unusual feature.

(g) Referring to supernatural beings; this part of the song is worded as if Ninits-
amlaix were speaking, and describing the time he was made a shaman.

(2) Reference to the wash-basin shows that Ninitsamlaix had the ability to cure
the sick.

(4) The theme is worded as if supernatural beings had tended and brooded over
the power which they ultimately sent down.

(j) The reference is to Nusmét-a which, as the home of supernatural beings, is
consequently the place from which comes a shaman’s power. When Ninitsamlaix
was at the point of death, it seemed to him that the sky opened above him so that
he was able to gaze upon those resident there. He watched the supernatural ones
conferring about his own fate, and gazed with joy at the departure of T#itcaplifin-a
to rescue him.

Song Used by Sikwalxwlehx(a), a Bella Coola W oman(é)

A Wituksixilaxums
It waved up and down

atyGtgémxémila
of salmon(e).

. >
atyawaso-nx” ats
Sonx”‘(c)

désnuyaémtimatim
when they(d) sang

[WORDLESs cHORUS]

disnustkakttinitsdai
within the wash-basin(g)

atiométum-atisandai
where I was(4);

B Sénuspuxtimiisk
They(f) placed eagle down

dinuk’saknim-imgétisdai
he(#) pulled me forth.

[WORDLEss CHORUS]