At the present day no trace of tribal consciousness exists; but a division can still be traced into what may be called clans; though the little information gained is so vague in character that no definite conclusion can be based upon it.
The interpreter thus tries to explain the division into these parties or clans. José's uncle has one name, and José's father has another; but the latter and others belong to the uncle's "party." They do not have to be related, but anyone can join the party who wants to. It is like church membership, he says,
The groups were originally related, but they kept changing names, so that they have not the same names now, but have the same ancestors.
The songs show who are related. Only those of the same group can sing the same songs. José's father's traveling songs are different from Lucario's. The songs descended from father to son and the old people were eager to teach the songs to those in the same family, but not to outsiders. But if an old man is the last of his line, like Lucario, it is then permissible for him to leave his songs to another in a different "party."
When Albañas was a boy, his father was killed, and his mother died soon after. He was brought up by a circle of old people, each of Whom in turn instructed him in the family songs.
Some of the chiefs had very few ceremonies, did not know much. Only the most important ones could lead the ceremonies.
161:295 Exvayam (x German ch), people of Exva, a place near Temecula.—S.
