WEAPONS AND IMPLEMENTS 85 



their proper places. The following description applies exclusively to the offensive arrow used 

 in fighting. 



The shaft of this arrow consists of a reed of bamboo 6 about 8 millimeters in diameter and 

 somewhat over a meter long, with a bamboo head. The head is a sliver of bamboo 7 varying in 

 length from 20 to 36 centimeters. On the upper Agtisan, where the Manobos seem to have assimi- 

 lated much from the Mandayas, both the head and the shaft of the arrow are much shorter, much 

 neater, and, in general, much handier. The arrowhead is broadest at about two-thirds of its 

 distance from the point. From this broad part, or shoulder, as we might call it, the head tapers 

 to a sharp point at one end and to such a size at the other that it can be inserted into the natural 

 socket of the shaft. In this socket it is retained by a lashing of fine rattan, which serves at once 

 to retain it in place and to prevent the frail bamboo shaft from splitting. A coating of tabon- 

 tdbon 8 seed pulp over the lashing prevents it from loosening or slipping and at the same time 

 preserves it from atmospheric action. Occasionally one sees arrowheads with square shoulders 

 that act as barbs. I have never seen steel arrowheads in use among Manobos, though it is 

 certain that they are used by Mafigguaiigans between the Agiisan and the Salug. 9 It is not 

 unlikely, moreover, that they are used by the people of the Ihawiin and Baobo Rivers. 



A very important feature from an ethnological standpoint is the feathering of the arrow. 

 The object of this is to steady the arrow in its flight and thereby prevent windage. The 

 method of feathering is as follows : The quills of the wing feathers of a hornbill, or sometimes of a 

 fish eagle, are parted down the middle. Then three, or sometimes only two, of these parted 

 quills with their adhering vanes are placed longitudinally at equal distances along the arrow 

 shaft so that their extremities are about 6 centimeters from the butt of the shaft and their webs 

 stand straight out from the surface of the reed, forming equal obtuse angles to one another. 

 These vanes are retained in this position by windings of very light, flexible rattan at their 

 extremities. As a security against slipping or change of relative position, a coating of the above- 

 mentioned fruit pulp, of ten mixed with pot black, is applied. The final preparation of the arrow 

 consists in chopping off with a bolo or small knife the outer edges of the vanes. This is done in 

 a slightly slanting direction within about 1 centimeter of the butt end of the vanes, at which 

 point they are cut in a direction transverse to the length of the arrow shaft. 



The feathering of the arrow is always done with precision, as the accuracy of its flight, the 

 uniformity of its rotation, the length of its trajectory, and the consequent penetrative power 

 are known to depend upon proper care in this respect. 



Unlike other bowmen, the Manobo makes a notch in the butt end of his arrow, but as far 

 as my observations go, there are never any decorative incisions and tracings on Manobo arrows. 10 



There seem to be no special arrow makers. Nearly every adult Manobo, who has not 

 relinquished the use of the bow and arrow, with no other tool than his bolo and perhaps a small 

 knife, can complete a bow and a bunch of arrows in a relatively short time. 



In stringing the bow it is grasped by the center of the stock with the left hand and the top, 

 where the loose loop of the bowstring is placed, is held with the right hand. The bottom of the 

 bow rests upon the ground and is supported by the right foot. The right hand then, by a move- 

 ment toward the person, bends the stock sufficiently to allow the loop of the bowstring to reach 

 and slip into its notch, the left hand and foot retaining the bow in a bent position. The bowman 

 then grasps the central part of the stock between the thumb and the four fingers of the left hand 

 and seizing the feathered part of the arrow between the first and middle fingers of the right, he 

 places the end of it at right angles to, and in contact with, the center, or thereabouts, of thestring. 

 The part of the arrow in front of the feathering rests upon the thumb and middle finger and under 

 the index finger of the left hand. Raising up the bow and holding it inclined at an angle of 



• Of the species known as la-hi'. 

 ' Da-mu-an species. 



* Parinarium mindanaense (Rosactae). 



' I purchased for the Bureau of Science Museum a unique specimen which, besides having a steel head, is provided with an ugly spur. The 

 owner claimed that it was one of the arrows that had been shot at him and the party that accompanied him by the people of a Mangguangan settle- 

 ment. I was one of his party. 



10 Among the Mandayas arrow shafts frequently have ornamental wavy lines and concentric circles incised along the length of the shaft, but 

 this decoration has been observed among no other tribe that I know of in eastern Mindanao. 



