NO. II MUSIC OF TULE INDIANS OF PANAMA DENSMORE 3 



In the vocal and instrumental music of the Tule we have a form 

 of music ■ which, it is believed, has not previously been described. 

 It appears that the substance of the words and the general character 

 of the melody of each song is " learned," but that each performance 

 of the song is an improvisation. This became evident in the record- 

 ing of the songs and the Tule said they did not intend to " sing a 

 song always the same." This is in direct contrast to the musical 

 customs of the North American Indians and will be considered in a 

 subsequent paragraph. 



In observing the music of the Tule we note a standard of excel- 

 lence, shown by the statement that some persons are good singers 

 while others " cannot sing." It is also interesting to note that, except 

 for songs intended to cure the sick, Tule music is connected with the 

 happiness of life. There are no songs to give success in gambling, 

 no songs connected with the food supply, and the " song of appeal 

 to the supernatural," which is sO' important a phase of North Ameri- 

 can Indian music, is absent among the Tule. Games are played only 

 by boys, the food supply is said to depend vipon " treating the 

 earth good " and living peaceful, upright lives, and the doctor sings 

 of his remedies, not of an " unseen helper " who teaches him how 

 to treat the sick. Tule music is connected with the pleasures of a 

 simple, industrious people. The words of the songs are concerning 

 the things they enjoy and are always in the present tense. The in- 

 terest is sustained and it appears that the song always has a '' happy 

 ending." An exception may be found in the song that was sung' 

 after a man's death, but this was sung by a doctor for the consolation 

 of the bereaved. The words of this song are sorrowful. 



Associated with Igwa Nigdibippi in giving this information were 

 James Perry, his wife Alice Perry, and Alfred Robinson who also 

 acted as interpreter. The name " Perry " was selected by this man 

 and his wife after their arrival in the United States and their native 

 names were not obtained. Alfred Robinson had worked on a sailing 

 vessel and been in Panama City, and said he had used this English 

 name for many years. The fifth adult in the group had lived so long 

 away from the tribe that he was not asked to assist in the present 

 work. 



The songs and instrumental music were recorded on a dictaphone. 

 The group in plate 2 shows James Perry recording, Alfred Robinson 

 at the right, and Margarita, daughter of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Perry, stand- 

 ing. Mr. and Mrs. Perry are of normal Indian color while their 

 daughter is of the type known as " white Indian." 



