WINTER CEREMONIAL DANCES 177

who has had a call during the season. Nothing further need be said concerning the ritual of gottim which follows the pattern already described.

During the following day a screen of yellow cedar mats is raised in one of the corners behind the fire; it must be large enough to conceal those who are to wear the numerous masks and give them space to fit them on in comfort. The Aukusiut begin to gather late in the afternoon and the usual long dis- cussion takes placeas the carpenters decide who shall wear which mask, while the marshals move to and fro. There is no stage- manager to settle disputes, but ultimately order evolves from chaos, and when dusk has fallen the heralds are dispatched to invite any kukusiut who have not appeared. When all is in readiness, a shout is raised for the eager uninitiated, who come crowding in to sit near the door. Anolikwotsaix moves to and fro, in and out of the enclosure, talking all the time, and telling the uninitiated that presently they will see very power- ful supernatural beings. The following account is of the masked figures used when Qoxofan-i last performed the dance; it must again be emphasized that their actual choice depends on the wishes of the dancer and his family, and that the order in which they appear is immaterial. His performance was probably the typical xebusam of a Mystery dancer.

The first to appear are Sxustaxwai and the three hiding- places of X’s power. Since they are always uncommon, it fol- lows that no fixed designs are possible, and the carpenters rely upon their own inventive abilities to paint and carve human- like beings. 4n0%ikwotsaix gives eloquent explanations as the three stalk around the fre and disappear from sight. It would have been equally proper if they had appeared singly.

Next comes Sénolfxumutelts Atquntéim, wearing a small mask, barely covering his face; above it, in his hair, is dyed cedar-bark puffed out to resemble a wig. He carries a stick with a band of the same material around the middle, and a tuft at either end concealing a nail with sharp, projecting point. Around the fire he dances frantically, leaping into the