Members Of Representatives Research Articles

each moiety in alternate years. His assistants stem from both sides, three men from the winter, three from the summer moiety. When the new officers decide on the presentation of a particular dance they choose composers, singers, and dancers. The selection of composers presents no problems because only three gifted men have a genius for new song creation, and they are invariably appointed for new songs. They compose new songs for Turtle Dance (okushare), Basket Dance (t'unshare), and Corn Maiden Dance (pogonshare). For other dances they call to mind sets of traditional songs. The leading singers, who will occupy the center of the dance line (sawipinge), are also well known and are reelected from year to year. However, the drummer or drummers may be newly elected for each dance from the ranks of experienced musicians. For the dancing, especially talented and carefully selected men and women fill the roles of an exclusive nature--the two Corn Maidens, the Buffalo Mother, Buffalo Fathers, and leaders of large dances. All eligible males are supposed to participate in Turtle Dance, Basket Dance, and Corn Maiden Dance. Formerly all males and females took part in Corn Dance (hoheye). All members of ceremonial societies, officials and representatives of both moieties attend the preparatory and final sessions of Harvest Dance (tembishare). The War Chief sends his assistants to the homes of elected participants, first to the homes of the composers and the central singers, then to the other men, and later to the women. They must make formal requests to the women: I come here aggressively, though you are a respected person. If the women is married, the herald must speak to her in front of the husband: We have chosen you to enlighten us and to help us gain life. It is up to the woman to accept. The

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