Field Museum of Natural History — Anth., Vol. XII. 



vertical strips and then weaving in other shorter 

 horizontal strips (Fig. 12). These are attached 

 to walls and supporting poles, and in them offer- 

 ings arc- made- to the various spirits. 



This is our picture of a typical home. It is 

 not a cheery place by day, for the lack of windows, 

 as well as a fog of smoke from the open stove, 

 makes it dark and gloomy. Nevertheless, since 

 the house offers a cool retreat from the blazing 

 sun, and the smoke-laden air is free from flies and 

 mosquitoes, it is a popular resort for all members 

 of the family during the hottest part of the day. 

 The little light, which filters in through the many 

 cracks in the floors and walls, is sufficient to allow 

 the women to spin, dye, weave, and decorate their 

 clothing, or to engage in other activities. After 

 dark the resinous nuts of the bitaog tree, or leaf 

 covered resin torches are burned, and by their 

 uncertain light the women and men carry on their 

 labors until far into the night. Entrance to the 

 dwelling is gained by means of a notched log, 

 bamboo pole, or by a ladder of the same material. 

 As a protection against strong winds many props 

 are placed against the sides of the house, and when large trees are avail- 

 able the dwellings are further secured by being anchored to them with 

 rattan lines. 



In each settlement or district will be found one large house built 

 on the same general plan as the smaller dwellings, but capable of 

 housing several hundred people (Plate XV). This is the home of the 

 local datu or ruler. All great ceremonies are held here, and it is the 

 place to which all hasten when danger threatens. It is the social center 

 of the community, and all who desire go there at any time and remain 

 as long as they wish, accepting meanwhile the food and hospitality of 

 the ruler. 



A brief description of the house of Datu Tongkaling will give a good 

 idea of this type of structure. Except for size — the dimensions being 

 44.x 20 ft. — the exterior does not differ greatly from the houses already 

 described. A long, partially covered porch leading to the doorway is 

 provided with benches which are always occupied by men and boys, 

 loitering or engaged in the absorbing task of lousing one another. 

 At the far end of the room is the elevated platform, but this one is 



fig. 12. 

 Tambara or Basket- 

 like RECEPTACLE IN 

 WHICH OFFERINGS 

 ARE MADE TO THE 

 SPIRITS. 



