158 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANATOMICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL 



angular figures. The quivers are carried by means of a string round 

 the waist, but sometimes over the shoulder or round the neck. 

 Sometimes the quiver is simply inserted into the waist-cloth. The 

 method of using the blowpipe is as follows. A dart is inserted, and 

 then a little cotton, or velvety hairs found at the base of the mid-rib 

 of some leaves. The blowpipe is then applied to the mouth like a 

 cornet, aim is taken, and a short sharp puff' will send the dart for a 

 considerable distance. The Sakais are very expert in the use of the 

 blowpipe, and can shoot squirrels and other animals at a distance 

 of from thirty to fifty yards. As soon as the animal drops, the dart 

 is withdrawn, and the wounded part immediately cut out. A sort of 

 bird-lime, prepared by boiling down the sap of the getah tree, is used 

 to catch small birds. 



Some of the Sakais grow a little rice or tapioca in jungle clear- 

 ings, but they do not readily settle down. They are too fond of 

 roving about to settle down in one place, and should a death occur in 

 an encampment, all the houses are burnt down, the crops are aban- 

 doned, and they move on to another place. 



They have practically no written language, but they can repre- 

 sent some expressions by scratching marks on leaves. 



Marriage Laws. A Sakai is by custom allowed to have more 

 than one wife. He may marry all his sisters-in-law. When a Sakai 

 wishes to get married, the selection of a suitable partner is left to the 

 discretion of his parents, or elders. As soon as the girl is chosen she 

 is allowed to come in contact with her intended husband for about a 

 month to test his habits, conduct, character, etc. If everything is 

 found to be satisfactory, a day is fixed for the wedding. The marriage 

 ceremony begins with a big feast or kanduri, the menu consisting of 

 roast monkeys, boiled snakes, tapioca, etc. A sort of war dance or 

 jantong is then performed, in which the only musical instrument used 

 is a log of bamboo of special construction. The bamboo, one foot in 

 length, is hollowed out at both ends and is played in the same way as 

 a kettle-drum. Every guest is bound to play a tune. To attend the 

 wedding all the guests must adorn their noses with birds' feathers. 



