THE IXDAU AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 119 



One chief characteristic which distinguishes the Madek tribe 

 from Jakuns of other tribes, is the absence of any rite resembling 

 circumcision ; while the Stmbiong tribe make an incision, but do 

 not circumcise. The Madek people, however, relate that they used 

 to observe the custom, but that it was given up owing to unto- 

 ward circumstances, which took - place two or three hundred 

 years ago as follows. On one occasion when the rite was observed, 

 several of the tribe died of the effects : it was ascertained that the 

 knives used for the purpose had been accidentally placed in a ves- 

 sel containing ipoh, the poison with which their blowpipe arrows 

 are habitually tipped : from that time the observance of the rite 

 was discontinued. 



On the death of a man. tobacco and betel-leaf are placed on his 

 chest, and the relations weep and wail, at the same time knock- 

 ing their heads against the wall : while the Avomen tie a cloth 

 round their necks to strangle themselves (by /rot), but the men in- 

 terfere before any harm is done nowadays, though, in former times, 

 the women are said to have actually strangled themselves on such 

 occasions. The burial usually takes place next day, sometimes 

 on the second day, if there be an}- reason for delay. All the pro- 

 perty of the deceased, comprising his weapons, a cup and plate, and 

 clothing, are buried with him, together with some rice. The depth 

 of the grave is up to the breasts. An axe, torch in stand, cocoanut 

 shell gourd, and pan are placed on the top of the grave. 



Poyang b/sar is a poyang who reaches heaven by disappearing 

 without death, or who on sickening to death requests kemnian 

 to be burnt over him for two days after his (apparent) death, 

 instead of being wept over and buried, when he comes to life 

 again. 



The tribe used 10 live up the Kahang, but Che Ma' Ali ixhe head 

 of the Kwala Sembrong Station) insisted on their removing, for 

 his convenience, to Kwala Madek. 



The Jcdyn Jcelondang, or gelondang, as it is also called, which 

 is struck by the attendants of the poyang when the latter is 

 exercising his skill on behalf of a sick man, must, among the Madek 

 people, be of merdican wood and no other. AVhile his attendants 

 strike the Jcdyu kUondang, the poyang waves a spray of the chdioak 

 tree, at the same time making bis incantations. 



