HEAD-HUNTING 261 



untruthfulness. The fact that the Dayaks are amiable 

 in disposition and inclined to timidity renders this phase 

 of their character still more inexplicable. The inevi- 

 table conclusion is that they are driven to this outrage 

 by religious influences and lose their self-control. As of 

 related interest I here note what Doctor J. M. Elshout, 

 who had recently returned from Apo Kayan, communi- 

 cated to me. He had spent three years at the garrison 

 of Long Nawang among the fine Kenyans and spoke the 

 language. "As soon as one enters upon the subject of 

 taking heads one no longer knows the Kenyah. Of his 

 mild and pacific disposition little or nothing remains. 

 Unbounded ferocity and wantonness, treachery and 

 faithlessness, play a very great part; of courage, as we 

 understand the meaning of the word, there is seldom a 

 trace. It is a victory over the brua (soul) of the man 

 who lost his head, and the slayer's own brua becomes 

 stronger thereby. If opportunity is given they will take 

 heads even if they are on a commercial trip. Outsiders, 

 even if they have been staying a long time in the kam- 

 pong, run a risk of losing their heads." 



