ANIMISTIC BELIEFS 55 



discovered satisfactory explanations of all its features. 

 Obscure features to which we would direct attention 

 are the use of the fire and the frayed stick, for these 

 figure in almost all rites in which the omen-birds 

 are consulted or prayers and sacrifices made. 

 The Kenyahs seem to feel that the purpose of 

 fire is to carry up the prayers to heaven by means 

 of the ascending flame and smoke, in somewhat the 

 same way as the tall pole planted by the side of the 

 image of Bali Penyalong facilitates communion with 

 the spirit ; for they conceive him as dwelling some- 

 where above the earth. 



Before going out to attack an enemy, omens are 

 always sought in the way we have described, and if 

 the expedition is successful the warriors bring home 

 not only the heads of the slain enemy, but also 

 pieces of their flesh, which they fix upon poles 

 before the house, one for each family, as a thank- 

 offering to Bali Flaki for his guidance and protection. 

 It seldom occurs that a hawk actually takes or eats 

 these pieces of flesh, and that does not seem to be 

 expected. Without favourable omens from the 

 hawks Kenyahs will not set out on any expedition, 

 and even when they have secured them, they still 

 anxiously look out for further guidance, and may be 

 stopped or turned back at any time by unfavourable 

 omens. Thus, should a hawk fly over their boat 

 going in the same direction as themselves, this is a 

 good omen ; but if one should fly towards them as 

 they travel, and especially if it should scream as it 

 does so, this is a terribly bad omen, and only in case 

 they can obtain other very favourable omens to 

 counteract the impression made by it will they con- 

 tinue their journey. If one of a party dies on the 

 journey, they will stop for one whole day for fear 

 of offending Bali Flaki. If a hawk should scream 

 just as they are about to deliver an attack, that means 

 that some of the elder men will be killed in the battle. 



VOL. II E 



