Hamatsa

Hamatsa is the name of a Kwakwaka'wakw secret society. During the winter months the Kwakwaka'wakw of British Columbia have many ceremonials practiced by different secret societies. The Hamatsa society is the most prestigious of all. It is often called a "cannibal" ritual, and some debate has arisen as to whether the Kwakwaka'wakw do or do not practice ritual cannibalism, whether their "cannibalism" is purely symbolic, or actually literal. Because of the secret nature of the society the answer is not forthcoming.
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[Native American] The Hamatsa society is the highest ranking Kwakiutl secret society proud to perform the most important Kwakiutl dance - a winter initiation ceremony for the newest members of the society. It is 4 days long and very complex. The Hamatsa dancers represent a cannibal spirit who lives in the sky (Bakbakwalanooksiwae). Boas translated the spirit's name to mean "Cannibal at the north end of the world." Bakbakwalanooksiwae is invisible and the Hamatsa dancers are thought to each represent one of his many mouths. His presence is made known though a strange whistling sound which is supposed to be the wind blowing through his millions of mouths. On the first day of the ceremony, the novice member is "possessed" by the Bakbakwalanooksiwae spirit and wanders into the woods, and is not seen again until the last day of the dance. The rest of the dance involves the frenzied dancing of the Hamatsa dancers, and a final appearance of the initiate Hamatsa performing a symbolic re-enactment of B...
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