The Sissauch dance

Journal/Book: Arctic Anthropol. 1997; 34: Journal Division, 114 N Murray St, Madison, WI 53715. Univ Wisconsin Press. 28-44.

Abstract: In the late nineteenth century, Norwegian-born Fillip Jacobsen lived and traveled among the Native groups of the Northwest Coast. Jacobsen, a journalist, published his observations of Native customs, legends, and dances in scientific and other journals in German and Swedish. His description of the Sisaok or Sissauch dance among the Bella Coola is a detailed, first-hand account and his narration of the origin myth concerning the dance is in many ways more complete than some legends collected by Boas. This article is a translation of Jacobsen's 1891 publication in the Swedish journal, Ymer. It incorporates many elements surrounding the Sissauch or sacred dance, including myth, masks and other accoutrements, feasting, and potlatching. His candid remarks concerning the purchase of dance paraphernalia from a Bella Coola chief add historical and even political relevance to this ethnographically significant piece.

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