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INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY — PUBLICATION NO. 13 



is tapped lightly with a rod. Next comes a home- 

 made "cork" (tapon), consisting of a ball of rav- 

 eled rope (mecate), which is pounded tightly into 

 place. Next, shot is added, followed by another 

 "cork." 



It is said that the arm will take two sizes of shot, 

 dependent upon the quarry. The latter includes 

 both man and beast, and we know of at least two 

 instances in which the fowling piece was used 

 for homicide. Powder, shot, and the cap (cas- 



quillo) against which the trigger hits, are stored 

 in the hollowed, dried fruit of the zacual cimarron 

 (No. 132). 



There are several rifles (cartridge and arm are 

 both called cartucho) in the community, and at 

 least two men, probably more, have pistols. Care 

 is taken that no woman, irrespective of her social 

 or physiological condition, step over a firearm. 

 Should such a calamity occur, the aim of the 

 weapon is ruined irrevocably. 



