The Tinguian - Social, Religious, and Economic Life of a Philippine Tribe by Fay-Cooper Cole
page 58 of 363 (15%)
page 58 of 363 (15%)
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get them?' When he raises the mother and the baby, they go (back)
into the ground. After that Kaboniyan above, looking down (said), 'What can you do? The spirits of Ibal in Daem are the cause of their trouble. It is better that you go to the home of your parents-in-law, and you go and prepare the things needed in Ibal,' said Kaboniyan. "They went truly and prepared; after that they brought (the things) to the gate. After that the mother and child came out of the ground. 'After this when there is a happening like this, of which you Ipogau are in danger, you do like this (i. e., make the Ibal ceremony); and I alone, Kaboniyan am the one you summon,' said Kaboniyan. "After that they got well because they came up, the mother and the baby." When the chant is finished, the animal is slaughtered, and food is prepared both for guests and spirits. Following the instructions of Kaboniyan, the latter is placed at the entrance to the village; after which it is possible that this powerful spirit will visit the gathering in the person of the medium, and give further instructions for the care of the infant. In the village of Lakub the writer witnessed a variation of this ceremony which, it is said, is also followed in case the pregnancy is not progressing favorably. A piece of banana stalk, wrought into the form of a child, and wearing a bark head-band, was placed on the mat beside the medium. She, acting for a spirit, seized the miniature shield and bow and arrow which hung above the baby, and attempted to shoot the figure. Immediately two old women came to the rescue of the image, and after a sharp tussel compelled the spirit to desist. They |
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