138 THE MANOBOS OF MINDANAO— GARVAN 



savagely at each other, now over the shield, now at the side, constantly sticking out their tongues 

 at each other much as a snake does. At times they place a heel in the ground with upraised 

 foot, and with the knee placed against the shield, and lance poised horizontally above the shoulder, 

 make rapid darts at each other. Every once in a while they kneel down on one leg behind their 

 shields and with rapid movements of the head and spear look defiance at each other. During all 

 the movements of the dance the spear is held horizontally and is thrust forward rapidly. The 

 shoulders are constantly moved up and down, and the shield follows this movement, all being in 

 perfect time to the rapid roll of the drum. 



The dance ordinarily does not last more than five minutes as the extreme exertion and 

 rapidity of movement soon tire the dancer. It is a magnificent display of warlike skill and of 

 physical agility and endurance. 



