NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE 



247 



called "siva-sivas." Some of these dances were quite elaborate 

 affairs, where the whole village would join in the merriment. 



In the Samoan dance, the hands and arms perform most intri- 

 cate motions, chiefly symbolic; whereas the body and feet play 



A Samoan Chief Dressed for the "Knife-dance" 



This dance is little more than an exhibition of marvelous juggling. (From Kramer. 

 'Die Samoa Inseln.") 



a distinctly minor role. The face maintains a stolid expression 

 which might almost be called sullen, except that a short acquaint- 

 ance shows it to mean peace and quiet dignity. A great circle 

 is formed by the spectators, and within this the performers take 

 turns. A small band of guitar and ukulele players furnish the 



