The Ceremonies 325 



outward, so as to catch or pierce the intruders (Plate XXVIII) ; while 

 in the saloko and along the gateway are placed leaves, roots, and other 

 offerings acceptable to the friendly spirits. Similar cords and leaves 

 are also strung around the entrances to the houses. 



The cord and gateway form an adequate protection, and no human 

 being or spirit will violate this taboo. Should a human do so, the least 

 penalty would be a tax sufficient to pay all the expense of the ceremony ; 

 but should the sickness afterwards invade the town, it is quite possible 

 that more serious punishment might be exacted by the families of the 

 victims. 



When all is prepared, the men and boys arm themselves, and with 

 shouts and hostile demonstrations drive the sickness toward the town 

 whence it is thought to come. 1 Returning to the center of the village, 

 the people dance tadek, and the mediums may summon several spirits. 

 Next, the pigs are killed, and their livers are examined for a sign. 

 Should the omens be unfavorable, one or more fowls will be sacrificed, 

 until it seems certain that the help of the spirits is assured, after which 

 the flesh is cooked and eaten. Then a small covered raft (taltalabong) 

 is constructed, and a portion of the food is placed inside. Late in 

 the afternoon, this is carried through the village, while one or more 

 drummers keep up a din to frighten evil spirits away. Just as the 

 sun is sinking, the raft is carried to the river, and is set afloat, in 

 order that any interested spirits, who may have been prevented from 

 attending the ceremony, may still receive their share of the offering. 

 In Likuan a different explanation is offered for the taltalabong. Here 

 they say that the offerings are placed on the raft, so as to induce any 

 hostile spirits who may be near to enter, and then they are carried out 

 and away from the town. 



The blood of the slaughtered animals has been saved, and upon 

 their return from the river the people dip leaves into it, and attach 

 these near to the doors of their dwellings. For at least one day fol- 

 lowing, no work is done, and all visitors are barred. During this time 

 the people only converse in low tones, and take special precautions 

 against even animals making a noise. The beaks of roosters are tied, 

 or they are placed in small baskets, so that they cannot stand up to 

 crow. 



In Lakub a new house or protection is placed above the guardian 

 stones, and offerings are made to them at the time of the Sagobay, 

 while in Likuan the participants wear neck and ankle bands of bamboo 

 as a further protection from the sickness. 



1 This part of the ceremony is often omitted in the valley towns. 



i 



