i64 PAGAN TRIBES OF BORNEO chap. 



are of the nature of practice for the chase and war, 

 and of trials of strength and of endurance of pain. 

 Wrestling is perhaps the most popular sport with 

 the older boys and with men. Each grips his 

 antagonist's waistcloth at its lower edge behind, 

 and strives to lay him on his back (PI. 169). 

 Throwing mock spears at the domestic pigs or 

 goats, and thrusting a spear through a bounding 

 hoop, afford practice for sport and war. Running 

 games like prisoner's base, and diving and swim- 

 ming games, are also played. All these boys' games 

 are but little organised, and the competitive motive 

 is not very strongly operative ; there are few set 

 rules, and but little scope for training in leadership 

 and subordination is afforded by them. 



In the house less active games are played. In 

 one of the most popular of these a number of chil- 

 dren squat in a ring upon the floor ; one takes a 

 glowing ember from a hearth, and passes it on to 

 his neighbour, who in turn passes it on as quickly 

 as possible. In this way it goes round and round 

 the ring until the last spark of fire goes out. He 

 or she who holds it at that moment is then dubbed 

 Aban Lalu or Balu Doh ( = widower Lalu or widow 

 Doh). 



Pets, in the form of birds and the smaller 

 mammals, especially hornbills, parrokeets, squirrels, 

 porcupines, are kept in wicker cages. 



About the age of ten years the Kayan boy begins 

 to wear a waistcloth — his first garment — his sister 

 having assumed the apron some two or three 

 years earlier ; we are not aware of any ceremony 

 connected with this. From this time onward the 

 boy begins to accompany his father on the longer 

 excursions of the men, especially on the long expedi- 

 tions in search of jungle produce ; and on these 

 occasions he is expected to take an active part in 

 the labours of the party. Participation in such 



