136 PETAJU, OR SEA DYAK GODS. 



which I lay under contribution is the pengap of the Besant, a 

 ceremony which is performed over children, and less frequently 

 over invalids, for their recovery. It is much in vogue amongst 

 the Balaus, but seldom resorted to, I think, by the other clans of 

 Sea Dyaks. Like all Dyak lore, it is prolix in the extreme, and 

 deluged with meaningless verbosity. I only refer to such points 

 in it as will illustrate my subject. 



The object of the Besant is to obtain the presence and assistance 

 of all Petaras on behalf of the child — that he may become strong 

 in body, skilful in work, successful in farming, brave in war, and 

 long in life. This is about the sum total of the essential significa- 

 tion of the ceremony. The performers are manangs, medicine 

 men, who profess to have a special acquaintance with Petaras 

 above, and with the secrets of Hades beneath, and to exercise a 

 magic influence over all spirits and powers which produce disease 

 among their countrymen. The performer then directs his song to 

 the Petaras above, and implores them to look favourably upon the 

 child. Somewhere at the commencement of the function, a sacri- 

 fice is offered, when the Manangs sing as follows : — 

 Baja Petara bla ngemata, 

 SeragendaJi bla meda, 



Ngemeran lea subah taaali Jang. 

 Sera <jnuli bla meda, 



Ngemeran lea ai mesei puloh grunong sanggang. 

 Seleledu bla meda, 



Ngemeran lea jump u mesei jugu bejampong lempang, 

 Seleleding bla meda, 



Ngemeran ha tinting lurus mematang. 

 Silingiling bla meda, 



Ngemeran ha patina sega nsluang. 

 Sengnngong bla meda, 



Ngemeran ha bunghong mesei benong balang. 

 Bunsu Pembia bla meda, 



Ngemeran ha jengka tapang bedindang. 

 Bunsu Kamh a bla meda, 



Ngemeran habila mar am jarang. 



Kings of Gods all look. 



Seragendah who has charge of the stiff, clay earth. 



