VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP, transferred the contents to their own mouths ; and cleansing their 
fingers upon the earth, gave the vessel to one of the women. 
August, The whole village then assembled, better dressed than they had 
1826 O ^ 
been on our first visit, and ranged themselves in a semicircle in front 
of us, preparatory to an exhibition of one of their dances, which merits 
a description, as it was the best of the kind we saw. A double ring 
was formed in front of us by men seated upon the grass, and by women 
and children in the back ground, who composed the orchestra. The 
music at the beginning was little better than a buzz of “Ungna-aya, 
Amna-aya!” — words which always constitute the burthen of an Esqui- 
maux song. The leader of the party, a strong athletic man, jumped 
into the ring and threw himself into various attitudes, which would 
have better become a pugilist than a performer on the light fantastic 
toe ! As his motions became violent, he manifested his inspiration by 
loud exclamations of Ah ! Ah ! until he became exhausted and with- 
drew, amidst shouts from all present of approbation, and the signal was 
given for new performers. Five younger men then leaped into the 
area, and again exhibited feats of activity, which, considering the heavy 
clothing with which they were encumbered, were very fair. A simple 
little girl about eight years of age, dressed for the occasion, joined the 
jumpers, but did not imitate their actions. Her part consisted in 
waving her arms and inclining her body from side to side. The poor 
little thing was so abashed that she did not even lift her head or open 
her eyes during the whole of her performance, and seemed glad ^hen 
it was over, though she was not unmindful of the praise bestowed 
upon her exertions. 
The violent action of the male performers required that they 
should occasionally take breath, during which time the music was 
lowered ; but as soon as the ring was furnished it again became loud 
and animated. A grown-up female now formed one of the party? 
and appeared to be the prize of contention among several young men, 
who repeatedly endeavoured to ingratiate themselves with her, but she 
as often rejected their offers and weaved them away. At last an old 
man, all but naked, jumped into the ring, and was beginning some 
indecent gesticulations, when his appearance not meeting with our 
