Show I Sin Sing and Dance Honori Honoring g Dead Is Celebes Custom Typical of such dances in Celebes I is the so-called so meaning literally to sing mourning songs for the dead In this dance writes Claire Holt in Asia Magazine Magazine Magazine Maga Maga- zine men form a circle and while chanting in solemn chorus words of I lament or praise for the deceased slowly stretch and bend the knees occasionally making a step side side- ways One hand is laid on the shoulder of the next dancer and the other arm bent at the elbow is slowly brought forward and then extended sideways to the rhythm of the song This dance is usually executed in front of the house where the corpse is lying and later also at the place where the sacrificial bulls buUs are being slaughtered for for slaughtering of bulls is one of the most important features of all aU big celebrations The higher the rank of the person who died the greater the number of slaughtered bulls Death festivities offer to the younger people many opportunities for developing their art of dancing and singing since guests coming to the house of mourning have to be welcomed and entertained Little troupes of dancers specialize in such dance forms For example there is the ma mu sung and danced by boys and girls in two rows to the accompaniment of two long flutes for the consolation of the relatives of the departed one and the entertainment of the guests gathered at his house |