90 Field Museum of Naturae History — Anth., Vol. XII. 



TRANSPORTATION AND TRADE. 



The Bagobo makes no use of boats or rafts, for until recent times he 

 has lived at a considerable distance from the sea; and the rivers, which 

 flow in deep canons, may be changed in a day from tiny streams to 

 rushing torrents in which no craft could keep afloat. Deft to his own 

 devices, he pays little attention to trails, but cuts his way through 

 the underbrush directly to his destination. The government has forced 

 him to clear and maintain several fairly good roads between the larger 

 settlements and the coast, and these are now the highways over which 

 he transports his hemp and other trade articles. Quite a number of 

 carabao and horses are to be found in the territory, where they are used 

 as pack and riding animals. Both men and women are excellent riders 

 and take great pride in the decoration of their mounts. The saddle 

 used is carved from wood, in exact duplication of those used by the 

 Spaniards. The copper bits are also copies, but are of native casting. 

 Strings of bells surround the neck of a prized animal, and it is further 

 beautified by an artificial forelock. Rattan whips, wound with braid, 

 and decorated with beads, are also a part of his trappings. According 

 to Bagobo tradition, they have had horses from the most remote times, 

 and Professor Blumentritt is inclined to believe that they possessed 

 these animals prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. In support of this 

 contention, he points to the fact that, unlike most Philippine tribes, 

 they use the Malayan name. 1 



Heavy loads of field products are transported on animals, or are 

 carried in cylindrical bark or rattan boxes or carrying frames (Fig. 30). 

 Such a receptacle is supported on the back by means of a band which 

 passes around the forehead, or by other bands which slip over the 

 shoulders. Both sexes carry loads in this way, although it must be 

 confessed that consideration for the members of the gentler sex has not 

 reached such a stage that they are relieved of any great part of such 

 labor. When gathering grain and forest products, or when searching 

 for snails, the woman attaches a small basket to her belt so that it 

 hangs at a convenient height against her thigh. We have previously 

 noticed the decorated bags and baskets which serve as pockets, and 

 also contain the betel nut outfits. 



A small child is supported at the mother's hip by means of a broad 

 sash, which passes over the right shoulder and under the left arm. 

 When it is able to walk the scarf is discarded, and it sits astride the 

 mother's hip, where it is held in place by her left arm. Older children 

 and the men devote considerable time to the newcomers, but at a very 



1 The terms used are, bait koda — stallion, and mamat koda — mare. 



