September, 19 13. Wild Tribes of Davao District— Coee. 85 



he is fortunate enough to possess animals or slaves, is quite content to 

 allow his wife, or wives, to carry the product to the coast trader. 



During ceremonies and at festivals a fermented drink made of sugar 

 cane is served, and in anticipation of its pleasurable effects the Bagobo 

 is willing to expend a considerable amount of effort. The juice of the 

 cane is extracted by means of a press made of two logs arranged in 

 parallel horizontal positions, so that the end of a wooden lever can slip 

 under one and rest in a groove cut in the other (Fig. 28). The cane is 

 placed in the groove and the operator bears his weight on the lever, 

 thus squeezing out the juice. After being boiled with the bark of 

 certain trees and lime juice, the liquor is sealed in jars or bamboo tubes 

 and is stored away until needed. 



The sago palm is found in parts of the Bagobo territory, and in 

 times of need, the people make temporary camps near to the sago 

 districts, where they prepare the flour. This is done in the same 

 manner as is fully described on page 140. 



The most important thing in the life of the Bagobo is the care of the 

 rice, for on this crop he depends for the greater part of his food supply, 

 and by its condition he can ascertain with what favor he is looked 

 upon by the spirits. So closely is the cultivation of this cereal coupled 

 with the religious beliefs that it is necessary, in this relation, to describe 

 the ceremonies connected with it. 



We have previously stated that the incursion of the cogon grass into 

 the fields makes necessary some new clearings each year. In the 

 month of December a constellation known as Balatik appears in the 

 sky. This has a double significance; first, it is the reminder for the 

 yearly sacrifice; and secondly, it notifies all workers that the tools, 

 which are to be used in making new clearings, shall be placed in readi- 

 ness. All those who expect to prepare new fields for themselves, or are 

 to assist others in such work, gather at the forge of the local smith and 

 there take part in a ceremony held in honor of his patron spirit. They 

 carry with them offerings of rice and chickens which they cook in 

 bamboo tubes, for food taken from a pot is not acceptable to this 

 spirit. When all is ready the food is placed on a rice winnower, near 

 to the forge, and on it the men lay their weapons and working knives 

 (Plate XXIX). Standing before the offering the smith, in a droning 

 voice, calls on the spirit, beseeching him to come and eat of the food, to 

 accept the weapons and tools, and having done so to be watchful over 

 the workers during the clearing time, so that they may not be injured 

 in the work or be molested by enemies. The prayer finished, the 

 smith eats a little of the food, and all the men follow his example, but 



