36 REMBAU HISTORY, ETC. 
Chapter II. 
Section 3, The Elder (Ibu Bapa). 
Members of a tribe—says the Custom—are subject to the 
Elder; who is dependent on the tribal chief.. This is the 
first axiom of tribal government in Rembau. 
The Elder is head of one or more of the original families 
(pérut) comprised in the tribe. Hence the larger tribes number 
several Elders—the smaller, one only.” The Suku Béduanda 
(waris tribe) provides the purest model of tribal government. 
In that tribe each of the original eight settlements (kampongqs) 
is under the direct rule of an Elder (z2bw bapa). 
The elder is elected by the suffrages of the members of 
the family or families under his charge and their choice is 
subject to the approval of the tribal chief (lémbaga). 
As the literal translation of his title (bu bapa=the 
mother-father) indicates, the scope of the Elder’s duties is 
found in the lowlier matters of everyday life in his family 
(pérut). The sayings liken his position to the chestnut tree 
on the plain, sprouting from the base of the trunk : * or to the 
crow hovering as it alights.” All feasts of marriage, of cir- 
cumcision, of incision, or of boring of the ears, where a goat is 
slain, demand his presence, as recorder.” The marriage fee 
(mas kahwin) is paid through him, the bridegroom’s private 
property (hérta térbawa) must be declared in his presence, he 
makes the division of acquired property (péncharian) at divorce. 
Satisfaction of a debt is duly attested only by payment before 
the Elder. He is the qualified witness for his section of the 
tribe. 
(1) vide Saying No. I 
(2) vide Appendix IV. 
(3) vide Saying No. XXVI. 
(4) vide Saying No. III. 
(5) vide Saying No. XXII. 
(6) vide Saying No. XXIX. 
Jour. Straits Branch 
