September, 1913- Wild Tribes of Davao District — Cole. 181 



with his own hand. 1 The victims need not be killed in warfare and may 

 be of any sex or age so long as they come from a hostile village. When 

 the required number of lives has been taken, the aspirant appeals to 

 the neighboring bagani for the right to be numbered in their select 

 company. They will assemble to partake of a feast prepared by the 

 candidate and then solemnly discuss the merits of his case. The 

 petition may be disregarded entirely, or it may be decided that the 

 exploits related are sufficient only to allow the warrior to be known as 

 a half bagani. In this case he may wear trousers of red cloth, but if he 

 is granted the full title he is permitted to don a blood-red suit and to 

 wear a turban of the same hue. This distinction is eagerly sought by 

 the more vigorous men of the tribe and, as a result, many lives are 

 taken each year. 



A short time ago a candidate entered the district of Bungalung on 

 the east coast of Davao and killed thirty-two persons. In that same 

 section are now living five bagani who have gained this title by similar 

 exploits."' Whole communities become involved in feuds as a result 

 of these individual raids, for it is the duty of a murdered man's family 

 to seek revenge for his death. It is not necessary that they kill the 

 offender, as any member of his family or settlement will suffice. In 

 some districts the unmarried relatives of a murdered person are not 

 allowed to wed until the death is avenged. 



Instances are known where the old men have conferred the title of 

 bagani upon the son of some deceased warrior. In such a case the 

 recipient of the honor starts at once to fulfil the requirements of election, 

 for otherwise he brings disgrace to himself and family. In his own 

 settlement the oldest of the bagani becomes supreme ruler, and if 

 powerful enough he may extend his influence to a considerable distance. 

 In a few cases on the East coast the holders of the title have so instilled 

 fear of themselves into the neighboring districts that they have been 

 able to levy blackmail, even on the Christianized natives. War parties 

 are led by these wearers of the red garments, and they also enforce 

 the laws handed down from their forefathers. 



The day a warrior is elevated to this order he is in a large measure 

 cut away from his fellows. He no longer associates with them as 

 equals but eats his meals alone, unless it happens that other bagani 

 are present. 



1 At Mayo it was said that it is necessary to kill only six, but the two baginii 

 living there had each killed more than twice that number. Among the Mansaka 

 the number required is often as high as thirty. 



2 These are Maclingtong at Pandisan; Pankard at Tagauanan; Kasicknan, 

 Lewanan, and Malarigvt, in the mountains between Taguanan and Piso. 



