356 The Tinguian 



a dlam and later summon several spirits. Liquor is served to the guests, 

 who dance tadek or sing songs in praise of the family. 



Early the next day, the pig is killed and, after its intestines have 

 been removed, it is covered with a colored blanket, and is carried into 

 the dwelling. Here it is met by the mediums who wave rain coats 

 above the animal, and then wail over the carcass. "The pig and its 

 covering are in part payment for the life of the sick person. They 

 cry for the pig, so they will not need to cry for the patient." Later 

 the pig is cut up and prepared as food, only the head and feet being 

 left for the spirits. 



Gipas, the dividing, follows. A Chinese jar is placed on its side, 

 and on each end a spear is laid, so that they nearly meet above the 

 center of the jar. Next a rolled mat is laid on the spears, and finally 

 four beads and a headband are added. The mat then is cut through the 

 middle, so as to leave equal parts of the headband and two beads on 

 each half. "This shows that the spirit is now paid, and is separated 

 from the house." 



The next act is to stretch a rattan cord across the center of the 

 room and to place on it many blankets and skirts. A man and a woman, 

 who represent the good spirits Iwaginan and Gimbagon, are dressed 

 in fine garments, and hold in their hands pieces of gold, a fine spear, 

 and other prized articles. They are placed on one side of the cord, 

 and in front of them stand a number of men with their hands on each 

 others' shoulders. Now the mediums enter the other end of the room, 

 spread a mat, and begin to summon the spirits. Soon they are possessed 

 by evil beings who notice the couple representing the good spirits, and 

 seizing sticks or other objects, rush toward them endeavoring to seize 

 their wealth. When they reach the line of men, they strive to break 

 through, but to no avail. Finally they give this up, but now attempt 

 to seize the objects hanging on the line. Again they are thwarted. "If 

 the evil spirits get these things, they will come often, their children 

 will marry, and they also will harm the family ; but if the good beings 

 keep their wealth, their children will marry, and will aid the owner 

 of the house." 



Later one of the mediums and an old woman count the colors in a 

 fine blanket. Usually there are five colors, so "the spirit is powerless 

 to injure the people for five years." Next the couple gamble, but the 

 medium always loses. Finally the spirit becomes discouraged and 

 departs. The decorations are now taken from the room, and the sick 

 person is carried down to the river by the members of the family. 

 Arrived at the water's edge, the oldest relative will cut off a dog's 



