September, 1913- Wild Tribes of Davao District — Cole. 155 



by this tribe, and from them has spread somewhat to their neighbors. 

 Waxed threads are used to work designs into cloth so that when the 

 fabric is placed in dye the liquid will not reach the portions thus cov- 

 ered. Later, when the threads are removed, white patterns appear on 

 the red background (See Plate LXIII). 



Slaves are kept, but their duties are so similar to those of the free- 

 born that it is impossible for the casual observer to pick out the members 

 of this class. 



Until recent years a large part of the man's time was taken up in 

 preparation for or active participation in the inter-tribal fights. There 

 are several incentives for these raids. First is the desire for loot and 

 slaves; then comes the ambition of the young men to be recognized as 

 successful warriors; and finally, and most compelling is the demand of 

 the spirit Mandalangan for victims. 



A man who has killed five or more persons is entitled to wear a red 

 suit covered with peculiar white designs (See Plate LXIII), and is 

 henceforth known as maboldt. When his score has reached twenty-five 

 he receives the still more honorable title of matsEg and is then allowed 

 to dress entirely in black and to deck his hair with red flowers. 1 



A raid is made only when the moon is full. A dish of red rice is 

 decorated with red flowers and is placed in the center of the room. 

 Around it the warriors stick their spears and then one of the oldest of 

 the company takes up a handful of the food and offers it to the spirit, 

 saying: "Mandalangan come and eat, for we are ready to fight; go 

 with us and help us." As he finishes his prayer each warrior takes a 

 portion of the rice and throws it out of doors, for "they are not yet 

 worthy to eat what Mandalangan has left." Returning to the room 

 they all eat of white rice and are ready for the raid In addition to 

 the'ir spears they should carry shields and fighting knives, and in recent 

 years quite a number have come into possession of firearms. 



Although the warriors are bold in their attack and do not hesitate 

 to assault strong villages, they have no scruples against seizing or 

 killing members of small parties or the inhabitants of isolated dwell- 

 ings. It is necessary that the raiders secure at least one victim, 

 otherwise another foray must be made at once. The body of the slain 

 is opened, the liver is extracted and is eaten by the warriors who thus 



1 The flowers used are Celosia cristata L., Graptophyllum hortense nees; Coleus 

 atropurpeus Benth. 



2 Should water fall by accident on a warrior who is on a raid, it is considered a 

 bad omen and the plans may be changed or delayed. In one instance the owner 

 of a place marked for attack fastened dishes of water so that the marauders un- 

 wittingly knocked them over on themselves, and, as a result, the place was left 

 unharmed. 



