The Cycle of Life 285 



corpse, so that it extended from ear to ear. Through the friendly 

 instruction of Kabonlyan it was learned that, if a live chicken, with 

 its mouth split down to its throat, were fastened to the door of the 

 house, its suffering would be noticed by the evil spirit, who, fearing 

 similar treatment, would not attempt to enter the dwelling. 1 



The spirit Ibwa is also much feared. 2 Long ago he used to mingle 

 with the people in human form, without harming them, but the thought- 

 less act of a mourner started him on the evil course he has since pur- 

 sued. In those times, it is said, the corpse was kept in the dwelling 

 seven days ; and, as the body decomposed, the liquid which came from 

 it was caught in dishes, and was placed in the grave. On the occasion 

 referred to, he was handed a cup of the "lard" to drink. He immediately 

 acquired a great liking for this disgusting dish, and frequently even 

 devoured the body as well. Since he fears iron, it is possible to drive 

 him away by using metal weapons. It is also necessary to guard the 

 grave against him and the spirit SElday, who demands blood or the 

 corpse. 



Akop is another evil spirit, who has a head, long slimy arms and 

 legs, but no body. He is always near the place of death, awaiting an 

 opportunity to embrace the spouse of the deceased, and once let the 

 living feel his cold embrace, death is sure to follow. So a barricade 

 of pillows is erected at one corner of the room, and behind this the 

 wife is compelled to remain during the three days the body is kept 

 in the house, while throughout the night she sleeps under a fish net, 

 in the meshes of which the long fingers of the spirit are sure to be- 

 come entangled. Meanwhile, two or three old women sit near the 

 corpse fanning it and wailing continually, at the same time keeping 

 close watch to prevent the spirits from approaching the body or the 

 widow (Plate XVI). From time to time the wife may creep over 

 to the corpse, and wailing and caressing it beg the spirit not to depart. 3 

 According to custom, she has already taken off her beads, has put on 

 old garments and a bark head-band, and has placed over her head a 



1 In Daligan and some other villages in Ilocos Norte, a chicken is killed, 

 is burned in a fire, and then is fastened beside the door in place of the live 

 bird. 



a See Traditions of the Tinguian. this volume, No. I, p. 181. 



* During the funeral of Malakay, in Patok, August 16, 1907, the wife kept 

 wailing, "Malakay, Malakay, take me with you where you go. Malakay, Malakay, 

 take me with you. I have no brother. We were together here, do not let us 

 part. Malakay, take me with you where you go." 



