The Ceremonies 353 



branches. As they arrive at the stream, the people pause, while the 

 medium holds the shell cup beside the burning straw, and recites a 

 dlam. The writer tried on two occasions to get this dtam, but it was 

 given so low and indistinctly that its full content was not secured, 

 neither was it possible to get the medium to repeat it after the cere- 

 mony. From what was heard it seems probable it is the dazvak dlam* 

 a guess made more probable by the killing of the dog and the bathing 

 which follows. As soon as the medium finishes, the whole party dis- 

 robes and bathes. 



Upon their return to the village, they are met by a company of 

 men and boys who assail them by throwing small green nuts. The 

 host secures the spirit rack which the medium had hidden, and with 

 it attempts to ward off the missiles. Despite this show of hostility, 

 the company proceeds to the sogayob, where the man and his wife 

 wash their faces in water containing pieces of coconut leaves. Dur- 

 ing all the morning a number of women have been preparing food, 

 and this is now served to the guests, a considerable company of whom 

 have collected. Late in the afternoon, all the spirits are remembered 

 in a great offering of food. A framework is constructed in the yard, 2 

 and on it are placed eggs, meat, fish," rice cakes, sugar, betel-nut, 

 tobacco, basi, and rice mixed with blood. After allowing the superior 

 beings a few moments to finish their repast, the viands are removed, 

 and from then until sunset all the guests dance tadek. As darkness 

 comes, a great fire is lighted in the yard, and within the circle of its 

 light the company gathers, while the more important men sing daleng. 



In some of the villages men gather the next morning to do any 

 necessary work on the balaua, and then the mediums celebrate the 

 dazvak, 3 which always forms a part of this ceremony. In Manabo the 

 dazvak follows after an interval of three days. 



This great and final event is so much like the procedure which 

 makes up the Tangpap ceremony that it seems necessary to give it only 

 in skeleton form, adding explanations whenever they appear to be 

 necessary. In the balaua is spread a mat covered with gifts for the 

 spirits who are expected. Here also is the spirit shield from the 

 dwelling, and a great heap of refuse made up of the leaves, vines and 

 other articles used in the preceding days. 



1 See Traditions of the Tinguian, this volume, No. 1, p. 177. 



* On two occasions an old bedstead of Spanish type served instead of 

 the frame. 



* See p. 315. In some towns the spirits are summoned at different times 

 during the ceremony, as in Tangpap. 



