XV 



MUSIC 



The Polarites have but two musical instruments, 

 the "ahtooktoora," or one-string fiddle, and the 

 "calown," or one-headed drum. The latter is by 

 far the more important, being used on all festive 

 occasions both to beat time for the dancers and also 

 to accompany the singers. 



Many of the songs of these people relate frag- 

 ments of tradition, while others deal with a crude 

 mythology. There is yet another class, looked upon 

 as prayers; some of these are very old, and are 

 highly treasured by the possessors, being guarded 

 as great secrets. When a father is about to pass 

 away, he will call his son and impart to him the 

 song as a legacy. No one else is allowed to be 

 present on such an occason, it being regarded in the 

 same solemn light as a dying parent's blessing. 

 The son in his turn, when he has grown old, and is 

 about ready to take leave of the world, will impart 

 the song to the next one in line of inheritance. 

 These heirlooms have descended through families 



lOI 



