A widespread rite in ancient times, sacred dances were indispensable as an emotional outlet and during major life-events like initiation, puberty, marriage and burial. These dances also served as a means of communicating with deities or with the dead, obtaining a good harvest, and so on. Illustrated with ancient ornamental artwork, this volume will be of value to dancers and choreographers as well as students of ancient civilizations. Unabridged republication of the 1923 Cambridge University Press edition.