The geographical separation of the Caribs and the Polynesians is so great as to have made intercommunication almost beyond the bounds of possibility. How, then, can the similarity be accounted for? Apparently only by assuming that peoples who live in similar conditions, and whose minds are in a similar state of development, may express themselves in a similar manner:
Caribs
![[PNG]](#7492430724626623457_pag10_score1.png.id-8782033003233400675.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}
Polynesian
![[PNG]](#7492430724626623457_pag10_score2.png.id-9193947712202497751.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}
Germs of the principle of contrast may be found in both the above songs. A second phrase or musical motive has been invented which is sung alternately with the first, thereby relieving the sense of monotony. This was certainly a great step in the development of primitive music. The invention of a second musical phrase, and the contrasting of it with the first, was the unconscious beginning of musical form. For contrast is the basic principle of form in music. The following song from Samoa shows this principle of the contrasting of musical motives very clearly. The two motives are sung by different groups of persons:
![[PNG]](#7492430724626623457_pag10_score3.png.id-7102190579951644535.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}