294 CUSTOMS OF THE KAR NICOBARESE 



For several days a number of young men and women are 

 engaged in cleaning out Elpanani. During this process they 

 are not allowed to touch eatables meant for others, nor may 

 they enter the village, as they are considered polluted while at 

 work. When it is over the women collect all the coconut husks 

 they can obtain, and arrange them in lines about the Elpanafn 

 and round the houses in it* 



The nuts are set fire to after sunset, and the people pass the 

 night in singing and dancing, in several groups, lighted by the 

 fires. Whenever they feel tired they eat, the proper food for the 

 occasion being land-crabs, which have been collected during the 

 previous week. 



A spittoon of palm leaf is placed in the centre of each group, 

 and into it go all the cheroot ends and betel-nut quids, to prevent 

 pollution of the ground of Elpanatu, which is now purified and fit 

 for the habitation of spirits. 



During the dancing the men cover their loins with a wrapping 

 of plantain leaf, which makes them look like women. The women 

 run about all night keeping the coconut shells alight. 



About five o'clock in the morning the performance comes 

 to an end, and then a number of women sweep out Elpananty 

 collecting the ashes and other rubbish, which are thrown into 

 the sea. The men, with much excitement, take the outriggers 

 from the canoes, and placing some of these under the Elpanani 

 houses, bear others to the village, covering all with palm leaves. 

 All portable property, pots, etc., is taken out of the houses in 

 Elpanain, and, closing the doors, the people march away to the 

 village (only the sick and one or two attendants, and those who 

 dug the last grave, are left behind). 



* The above is the Mus proceeding ; at Lapiiti there is more elaboration. 

 The spacious scjuare of Elpanain is thoroughly cleared, and the huts and fences 

 of the traders dismantled, a separate place in the jungle being given them. 

 In the centre of Elpanani an iron spike {merdhta) is fixed and covered 

 with leaves. Then the taniiluanas^ adorned with silver and garlands, arrive 

 in procession, and suddenly pulling up the pike, throw it into the sea. After 

 washing their feet they come back to the dances. 



This ceremony is by way of augury as to the prospects for the ensuing 

 season. 



