366 THE HAKO, A PAWNEK CEREMONY [eth. ann. 22 



The ritual is in three parts. 'I'he first gives a Ijrief narration of tlie 

 institution of the custom of elianging the name in consequence of 

 some new achievement. The second shows liow the man was enabled 

 to accomplish tliis act. It began with his lonely vigil and fast, 

 when lie cried to the powers for help. Tlie scene then shifts to the 

 circle of tlie lesser powers, wlio, in council, deliberate on tlie petition 

 wliich makes its way to them and gains their consent. Then the 

 Winds summon the messengers, and these, gatliering at the lesser 

 powers' command, are sent to earth to the man crying in lonely places, 

 to grant his desire. This part closes with a few vivid words which 

 set forth that only by the favor and help of the powers had tlie man 

 been able to do the deed. The third deals with the man's names, the 

 one to be discarded and the one now to be assumed. 



This dramatic poem is in a rhythmic form imi^ossilile to reproduce 

 iu English; neither is a literal translation adeciuate to convey its 

 meaning, since a single word sometimes represents a complex action, 

 to the understanding of which a knowledge of the customs and beliefs 

 of the tribe is essential. The terseness of expression was also intended 

 to close the meaning to the uninitiated, keeping it sacred from the 

 common people. Although the form of tlie following rhythmic ren- 

 dition could not be determined as heretofore l\v musical phrases, the 

 English version contains nothing wliicli is not in the original text 

 explained and amplified by the Ku'rahus. 



Rhytlnnic Rendition of Paicncr Text 



1358 Harken! 'Twas thus it came to pass: 



In ancient days, a Leader and his men 

 Walked this wide earth, man's vast abode 

 Roofed by the heavens, where dwell the gods." 

 They readied a place, the spot no man can tell. 

 Faced dangers dread, and vanquished them; 

 Then, standing as if horn anew to life. 

 Each warrior threw away the name 

 That had Ijeen his ere yet these deeds were done. 



1359 HarkenI The Leader and his men 



Made there the Vict ry Song, and set the mark 

 Ye must o'ertake. if ye would be like them I 



l:i60 Harken! The Leader and his men 



Turned then toward home. Their Vict'ry Sung 

 Proclaimed them near: the village rose. 

 Looked toward the hill, where on the top 

 Stood the brave men singing their Song. 

 Heralding thus the favor of the gods 

 By which they had surpassed all former deeds, 

 Made new their claim to be accounted men. 



nGods, meaning powers, is used solely on account of the rhythm. 



