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



In obstinate cases the invalid may be removed from his own house to 

 another, in order that he may be under the care of the good spirits 

 residing there. The mabalian appplies certain medicines and then 

 decrees a period of taboo, during which no outsiders may enter the 

 house. Those within at the time the medicine was given may go out 

 if they desire, but must return there to sleep. Should it become evident 

 that the patient will die he is taken back to his own place, otherwise 

 his family would be called upon to reimburse the owner of the house 

 in which the death occurs, for bringing evil or unfriendly spirits into 

 their dwelling. 



Governor Bolton describes a somewhat different procedure among 

 the members of the Guianga branch of this tribe. Having learned that 

 Datu Angalan was ill he went to see him, but found his house deserted. 

 The dain was finally located in a small hut about a hundred yards away 

 from his own dwelling, with no attendants. The governor writes, 

 "When I went in the tribesmen entered. I soon found that I had 

 broken a charm which prevented anyone seeing him for a certain time; 

 that he had been placed in the hut for that reason, and to insure his 

 not dying in the large house. It is likely that they had a human 

 sacrifice at that time." 



Following a death the body is covered with good clothing and is 

 placed in the middle of the house. Wailers sit by the corpse, fanning 

 it to keep away flies, or making an occasional offering of food; while 

 the friends gather to talk of the virtues of the deceased, to console the 

 family, and to partake of the food and drink which has been provided 

 for the gathering. The body is kept over one night, and in the case 

 of great personages, for three days, or until the coffin — a large log split 

 in halves and hollowed out — is prepared. When this is ready the body 

 is placed in it, together with some prized articles of the deceased. 

 After the top has been fitted to the lower portion, they are lashed 

 together and the cracks are filled with lime. 2 The body is buried 

 beneath the house, and the grave is protected by a bamboo fence, 

 within which is placed food, small offerings, or perhaps a shield and 

 spear. In some instances the coffin is allowed to remain in the house, 

 which is then abandoned. It is said that when Datu Taopan died his 

 funeral lasted ten days, and on the last day the house was decked, 

 inside and out, with flowers and valuable gifts, and was then deserted. 



1 Extract from letters of Gov. Bolton, in files of the Governor at Davao. 



2 When the deceased has been a person of note the coffin is sometimes decorated 

 or colored. The coffin of a magani should be red, yellow, and black; while that of a 

 mabalian should be yellow, black, and brown. 



