Official report of the exploration of the Queen Charlotte Islands | Page 7

and the
young man falls in love, he tells his mother, who goes to the mother of
his sweetheart, (ka-ta-dha,) and makes a declaration of her son's
affection for and desire to marry the girl. If the proposal is favorably
received, the parents and friends of the groom assemble at an appointed
time at the house of the bride's parents, where, all sitting around the fire,
the good qualities of the young man are praised by his friends to the
father of the girl. She is present, also, and if satisfied after listening to
all the gracious words in favor of her intended, she rises from her place,
goes and sits down beside her lover, and taking his hand in hers the
ceremony is complete. Among those Hydas who profess Christianity,
marriage is solemnized by a ceremony, at which a missionary or Justice
of the Peace officiates, the same as among the whites, and other unions
are not regarded as binding. Polygamy was formerly much practised,
especially by the chiefs, who took young women for their wives as
often as they desired them, but none of the natives, so far as my
obervation extended, now have more than one wife. Married women
are generally well treated, and instead of being mere menial servants as
frequently represented, they oftener carry the purse than the men, and
have an equal voice in the management of family affairs. Indeed, the
only domestic unpleasantness which I witnessed were cases of young
wives vigorously asserting authority over the "old man." The marriage
relation has, however, undergone a radical change since so many
females, from their own earnings, not only bring most of the money
into the household, but frequently support the men in idleness.
* * * * *
Slavery.

Slavery has existed among the Hydas, as with the other native races,
from the earliest times. Until a comparatively recent period they were
always at war with some of the coast tribes, and, being generally
victorious, made many captives, whom they held in bondage, usually
attached to the household of the conquering chief, who became their
absolute owner and master, even to ordering their sacrifice, which has
occurred on many occasions. A slave, (elaidi), was formerly valued at
from one hundred and fifty to two hundred blankets, but now, though
there are still a number upon the island, they are no longer bought and
sold, but enjoy unrestrained freedom. Many prefer to remain with or
near their former masters and render service for food and
protection--especially men--rather than return to their native villages
and endure the disgrace and taunts for having been overcome in battle.
Several white men have been captured and held as slaves by the Hydas
within the last thirty years.
* * * * *
Potlatches.
This custom of distributing property prevails more or less among all the
northwestern tribes. The potlatch is usually preceded by a feast, also
provided by the donor. They are never prompted by a spirit of unselfish
generosity, but are given as a means of acquiring popularity and
influence, for the compensation of labor performed, in satisfaction for
injuries done, and sometimes as a means of revenge. The greatest
potlatches are given by the chiefs, either for the purpose of obtaining or
retaining the chieftaincy. On such occasions the feasts are sometimes
prolonged for days, and hundreds of blankets distributed. Whenever a
great house or carved pole is erected, there is a feast and potlatch for all
who assist in the work. They are also held on occasions of tattooing,
when females arrive at maturity, and as a part of the funeral ceremony.
In most instances a record is kept of the property dispensed, and an
equivalent, if not already received, is expected at some future potlatch.
* * * * *
Dancing and Masquerading.

The Hydas are fond of dancing, and display great ingenuity in devising
many grotesque and fanciful costumes for wearing upon such occasions.
Every beast, bird and fish almost of which they have any knowledge, is
represented in some form--the heads of bear, seal and other animals are
worn upon their heads, and also hideous masks, with moving eyes and
lips The costly na-xin, or blanket, woven from the wool of the
mountain goat, is thrown over the shoulder; curiously carved rattles are
held in their hands, whistles imitating owls, wild geese, loons, eagles
and other animals, are blown, drums are beaten; castanets--small hoops
upon which numerous puffin beaks are suspended--shaken, birds' down
is scattered until it fills the air and covers the performers, who, with a
swinging, slouchy movement, dance for an hour at a time, rattling,
whistling, singing and grunting. There are reception dances--Skaga and
Hi-ate--house-building dances--Skadul, the Kata-ka-gun dance when
the house is completed, and the Skarut dance, preceding a distribution
of