E. W. HAWKES THE DANCE FESTIVALS OF THE ALASKAN ESKIMO 2J 



Meanwhile four men, 1 especially chosen for the purpose, 

 scour the adjoining country for parsnip stalks. They bind these 

 into small bundles, and place them on top of the latorak, the 

 outer vestibule to the entrance of the kasgi. In the evening 

 they take these into the kasgi, open the bundles and spread out 

 the stalks on the floor. Then each hunter takes a stalk, and they 

 unite in a song to the parsnip, the burden of which is a request 

 that the stalks may become dry and useful for purification. 

 The heat of the seal oil lamps soon dries them, and they are tied 

 into one large bundle. The third day the sheaf is opened, and 

 two bundles made. The larger one is for the use of the dancers; 

 the smaller is placed on a spear and stuck in front of the bladders. 



The fourth day the bladders are taken down and painted. 

 A grayish mixture is used which is obtained by burning a few 

 parsnip stalks and mixing the ashes with oil. The designs are 

 the series of bands and dots grouped to represent the totems 

 of the hunters. When the paint is dry the bladders are returned 

 to their places. 



In the evening the men gather again in the kasgi, and the 

 dancers proceed to strip off every vestige of clothing. Snatching 

 a handful of stalks at the common pile they light them at the 

 lamps, and join in a wild dance about the room. The resinous 

 stalks shoot into flame with a frightful glare, lighting up the 

 naked bodies of the dancers, and dusky interior of the kasgi. 

 Waving the flaming torches over their heads, leaping, jumping, 

 and screaming like madmen they rush around the room, thrusting 

 the flame among the bladders and then into the faces of the 



1 The number four appears to have a sacred significance among the Alaskan Eskimo. The 

 Raven Father (Tulukatiguk) waves his wings four times over the objects of his creation; the 

 heroes of ancient legends take four steps and are transported great distances; and important 

 events occur on the fourth night. I understand that the four men who gather the wild parsnips 

 represent the four clans of the tribe. 



