35S The Tinguian > 



Binikwau. — This ceremony, like the one just described, seems 

 to be limited to the San Juan region, and is given under similar 

 circumstances. 



The room is decorated as usual, and a bound pig is laid in the 

 center. This is known as "the exchange," since it is given in place 

 of the patient's life. Two mediums place betel-nut on the animal, then 

 stroke it with oil, saying, "You make the liver favorable," i. e., give 

 a good omen. After a time they begin summoning the spirits, and from 

 then until late evening the guests divide their time between the 

 mediums and the liquor jars. Soon all are in a jovial mood, and before 

 long are singing the praises of their hosts, or are greeting visiting 

 spirits as old time friends. 



The pig is killed early next morning, and its liver is eagerly ex- 

 amined to learn whether or no the patient is destined to recover. A 

 part of the flesh is placed on the house rafters, for the use of the 

 spirits, while the balance is cooked and served. Following the meal, 

 the gongs and drums are brought up into the house, and the people 

 dance or sing until the mediums appear, ready to summon the spirits. 

 The first to come is Sablan, the guardian of the dogs. He demands 

 that eight plates and a coconut shell be filled with blood and rice ; 

 another shell is to be filled with uncooked rice, in which a silver 

 coin is hidden; and finally a bamboo dog-trough must be provided. 

 When his demands are met, he begins to call, "Come, my dogs, come 

 and eat." Later the blood and rice are placed in the trough, and are 

 carried to the edge of the town, where they are left. This done, the 

 spirit pierces the pig's liver with a spear and, placing it on a shield, 

 dances about the room. Finally, stopping beside the mat, he lays them 

 on the patient's stomach. The next and final act is to scrape up a little 

 of the liver with a small head-axe, and to place this, mixed with oil, 

 on the sick person. 



On the third and last day, the medium leads a big dog to the edge 

 of the village, and then kills it with a club. A piece of the animal's ear 

 is cut off, is wrapped in a cloth, and is hung around the patient's 

 neck as a protection against evil, and as a sign to all spirits that this 

 ceremony has been held. 



Throughout the rest of the day many spirits visit the mediums, 

 and at such a time Kakalonan is sure to appear to give friendly 

 advice. The final act is to set the spirit raft afloat on the stream. 



