Field Notebook: Greenland 1987a
Page 66
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Transcription
Dear Pastor, The latter boat is waiting for us. He begs to camp and prepare for another Breland Dinner. At 8 P.M. White, S., and O'Gara, are taken into the Pastors boat and at 9.40 we sit down to dinner in Mr. Brelands house. Mrs. Breland a native has star- mignon, Irish potatoes, prunes, Hack bread, cheese, scald beefs, head cheese sausage and another dish. Tea and snacks go along. After dinner a hot rum fizzel is served and at 11 P.M. we go into the largest native house to look in upon the dance. The house is full of natives. A sort of quadrille is a going on whilst at least eight couples take part. Each couple faces, do a short dog gig and then swing their partner. The men then go to the centre and swing returning to their former position and dance with their partner the gig. The ladies then go to the centre swing and advance to a partner further along. While the gig is going the men and women clap their hands. Then a two step is danced in which the fester joins. The floor is covered, and the movement of the steps are harmoning with the accordion. The Pastor joins the dance. At 11.30 we are again in camp. We find that one of our men has brought his two harp kettle drums