VII 
AT MANAOS 
and I had there the satisfaction of seeing and taking 
part in several danfas de roda or ring dances," 
about which I felt most curious. These dances are 
chiefly of Portuguese origin, but modified by change 
of locality. One of the most amusing was called 
Picapao or the Woodpecker, of which I will try 
to give you a sketch. The men and women 
being first ranged as in our country dances, com- 
mence by dancing several times round in a ring, 
singing — 
"Picapao para donde vai ? " ("Woodpecker, where are you 
going ? "). 
"Picapao para donde vem ? " ("Woodpecker, whence do you 
come ? ") 
They then rapidly break up the ring and fall into 
their places, and then follows a series of hops 
(intended to imitate the motions of the wood- 
pecker) — the men and women hopping sideways 
but in contrary directions — at first erect, then 
gradually sinking down until the chin nearly 
touches the knees, the musician (who also leads 
the figure) all the while improvising a dialogue 
between the woodpecker and his mate. This ended, 
all jump up, men and women approach, singing — 
"Vosse fica — adeos men bem ! " ("If you stay, then adieu my 
love ! "). 
with repeated clapping and snapping. 
This is what may be called the burden of the 
dance, but at each repetition the musician impro- 
vises something new and varies the figure. I 
know not when I have laughed so much, especi- 
ally at the hopping. These dancas de roda are all 
eminently dramatic, and much depends on the 
