Introduction ii 



cient in number, surround the town (p. 140). Taking the heads of one's 

 neighbors does not appear to be common, yet cases are mentioned where 

 visitors are treacherously killed at a dance (pp. 78, 83). 



The use of poison l is twice mentioned. In one case the victims are 

 killed by drinking liquor furnished by the father of the girl about whose 

 head they are dancing (pp. 148, 156). 



Bamboo spears appear to be used, but we are explicitly told that they 

 fought with steel weapons, and there are frequent references to head- 

 axes, spears, and knives (pp. 65, 76, 120). 



Marriage appears generally to be negotiated by the mother of the 

 youth at his suggestion (p. 128). At times both his parents go to the 

 girl's home, and after many preliminaries broach the subject of their 

 mission (p. 128). The girl's people discuss the proposition, and if they 

 are favorable they set a day for the pakdlon — a celebration at which 

 the price to be paid for the bride is decided upon (p. 49). The parents 

 of the groom then return home after having left some small present, such 

 as a jar or an agate bead, as a sign of engagement (p. 128). 2 The pa- 

 kdlon is held a few days later at the girl's home, and for this event her 

 people prepare a quantity of food (p. 72). On the agreed day the 

 close friends and relatives of both families will assemble. Those who 

 accompany the groom carry jars and pigs, either in part payment for 

 the bride, or to serve as food for the company (pp. 72, 128). The first 

 hours are spent in bargaining over the price the girl should bring, but 

 when this is settled a feast is prepared, and then all indulge in danc- 

 ing the tadek (p. 59).' When the payment is made a portion is distri- 

 buted among the girl's relatives (pp. 72, 74), but her parents retain 

 the greater part for themselves. 4 The groom cannot yet claim his bride, 

 although in one case he is allowed to take her immediately after the pa- 

 kdlon by making a special payment for the privilege (p. 74). A few 

 nights later the groom goes to the girl's home carrying with him an 

 empty jar with which he makes the final payment (p. 73). The cus- 

 tomary rice ceremony 6 follows and he is then entitled to his bride 



1 This poison is placed in the food or drink. The use of poisoned darts or arrows 

 seems never to have been known to this people. 



* A similar custom is found among the Kayan of Borneo. See Hose and Mc- 

 Dougall, Pagan Tribes of Borneo, Vol. II, p. 171 (London, 1912). 



* In this dance a man and a woman enter the circle, each holding a cloth. Keep- 

 ing time to the music, they approach each other with almost imperceptible move- 

 ments of feet and toes, and a bending at the knees, meanwhile changing the position 

 of the cloths. This is varied from time to time by a few quick, high steps. For fuller 

 description see article by author in Philippine Journal of Science, Vol. Ill, No. 4, 

 1908, p. 208. 



4 The custom was formerly practised by the Ilocano. See Reyes, Folklore Fili- 

 pino, p. 126 (Manila, 1899). 



6 See Philippine Journal of Science, Vol. Ill, No. 4, 1908, pp. 206, ff. 



