|
Notes These are the notes as they originally appeared in their entirety albeit with new numbering. I have included the notes at the bottom of their respective tales' pages on this site, including copies of the other notes referenced. This page is therefore redundant but still hopefully useful in some way. [1] This incident is strikingly similar to
the story in North American folk-lore of the maiden captured and carried
upward by a vine. Several other points of likeness appear in the lore
of Malaysia, Polynesia, and America. [2] See Preface, p. vii. [3] This incident is unique so far as American or European
folk-lore is concerned, yet it is common in Tinguian tales, while similar
stories are found among the neighboring Ilocano and Igorot tribes of the
Philippines, as well as in Borneo, Java, and India. [4] The belief that beauty is capable of radiating great
light is not peculiar to Tinguian tales, for it is also found in the Malay
legends and in those of India. It is not impossible that they had a common
origin. [5] The betel-nut is the nut of the areca palm. It is
prepared for chewing by being cut into quarters, each piece being wrapped
in betel-leaf spread with lime. It produces a blood-red spittle which
greatly discolors the teeth and lips, and it is used extensively throughout
the Philippines. While it appears to have been in common use among the
Tinguian at the time these stories originated, it has now been displaced
by tobacco, except at ceremonies when it is prepared for chewing; it is
also placed on the animals offered for sacrifice to the spirits. Throughout
the tales great significance is given to the chewing of betel-nuts before
names are told or introductions given, while from the quids and spittle
it appears to have been possible to foretell events and establish relationships. [6] Compare with the story of Phaeton in Bulfinch, The
Age of Fable, p. 50. [7] The Tinguian have no calendar, but reckon time by
the recurrence of the moon. [8] It is the present custom of the Tinguian to make numerous
ceremonies for the spirits. These vary in length from a few hours to seventeen
days. During this period animals are slaughtered, small houses are built,
mediums deliver messages from the spirits, and there is much feasting
and dancing. [9] When ripe, the betel-nut is covered with a golden husk, and it is possibly because of this that they were said to be covered with gold. The present-day Tinguian, in place of sending the betel-nut, sends a small piece of gold to any relative or friend whom he specially wishes to induce to attend a ceremony. [10] This seems to be peculiar to Tinguian folk-lore. [11] Except when she is in mourning a Tinguian woman's
arms are always covered with beads placed strand above strand. [12] The parents of a boy choose his bride when the children
are very young. A great celebration is then held, and relatives and friends
of both parties decide on the price to be paid for the girl. Partial payment
is made at once, and the remainder goes over until the marriage proper
takes place, when the boy and girl are about twelve or fourteen years
of age. In this instance Ini-init makes the customary payment for his
bride, though the marriage had already taken place. [13] The friends and retainers pound rice and prepare
food for all the guests who attend the ceremony. [14] A spirit house is one of the small houses built during
a ceremony. [15] Reference is probably to ancient Chinese jars. [16] The custom, which still exists to a certain degree,
was to offer food to a guest before any matter was discussed. In ancient
times this was considered very necessary, as it still is among the Apayao
who live north of the Tinguian. With them to refuse food is to refuse
friendship. [17] A drink made of fermented sugar-cane. [18] The old jars possessed by the Tinguian today have
notches broken in the rim, one for each generation through whose hands
it has passed. [19] When the first negotiations are made the boy's parents
offer some gift, nowadays usually a small bead. If this is accepted it
signifies the willingness of the girl's parents to consider the match. [20] See note 1, p. 15. (Referenced note states: "The
parents of a boy choose his bride when the children are very young. A
great celebration is then held, and relatives and friends of both parties
decide on the price to be paid for the girl. Partial payment is made at
once, and the remainder goes over until the marriage proper takes place,
when the boy and girl are about twelve or fourteen years of age. In this
instance Ini-init makes the customary payment for his bride, though the
marriage had already taken place.") [21] The music for the dances is made by beating on drums
and copper gongs. A man and a woman enter the circle, each carrying a
large square of cloth on outstretched arms. Keeping time to the music
with their hands and feet, they move about, coming near to each other
and then drawing farther apart The woman follows the movements of the
man and finally places her cloth on his outstretched arms, thus ending
the dance; another couple then takes their place. [22] An interesting parallel to this is found in the Dayak
legend of Limbang, where a tree springs from the head of a dead giant;
its flowers are beads; its leaves, cloth; and the fruit, jars. See Roth,
The Natives of Sarawak and British North Borneo, Vol. I, p. 372. [23] Throughout the Tinguian tales the characters are
frequently described as changing themselves into oil, centipedes, birds,
and other forms. This power is also found among the heroes of Dayak and
Malay tales. See Roth, op. cit., Vol. I, p. 312; Perham, Journal Straits
Branch R., Asiatic Society, No. 16, 1886; Wilkinson, Malay Beliefs, pp.
32, 59 (London, 1906). [24] The Tinguian place a tame rooster in an open spot
in the forest and surround him with a line to which slip nooses are attached.
The crowing of this bird attracts wild ones which come to fight him and
are caught in the nooses. [25] The water buffalo now used as the beast of burden
throughout the Philippines. [26] The ordinary dress of the Tinguian man is a clout
and a striped belt, in which he carries his tobacco and small articles.
Some of them also possess striped cotton coats, which they wear on special
occasions. [27] See note 2, p. 12. (Referenced note states: "It
is the present custom of the Tinguian to make numerous ceremonies for
the spirits. These vary in length from a few hours to seventeen days.
During this period animals are slaughtered, small houses are built, mediums
deliver messages from the spirits, and there is much feasting and dancing.") [28] See note 1, p. 13. (Referenced note states: "When
ripe, the betel-nut is covered with a golden husk, and it is possibly
because of this that they were said to be covered with gold. The present-day
Tinguian, in place of sending the betel-nut, sends a small piece of gold
to any relative or friend whom he specially wishes to induce to attend
a ceremony.") [29] This peculiar idea, which frequently appears in Tinguian
tales, is also found in Javanese literature. See Bezemer, Volksdichtung
aus Indonesien, p. 47 (Haag, 1904). [30] See note 3, p. 15. (Referenced note states: "A
spirit house is one of the small houses built during a ceremony.") [31] The powerful deeds of these heroes often resemble
the miraculous achievements of biblical and ancient times. [32] See note 2, p. 20. (Referenced note states: "Throughout
the Tinguian tales the characters are frequently described as changing
themselves into oil, centipedes, birds, and other forms. This power is
also found among the heroes of Dayak and Malay tales. See Roth, op. cit.,
Vol. I, p. 312; Perham, Journal Straits Branch R., Asiatic Society, No.
16, 1886; Wilkinson, Malay Beliefs, pp. 32, 59 (London, 1906).") [33] The Tinguian of today do not possess soap, but in
its place they use the ashes from rice straw, or not infrequently they
soak the bark from a certain tree in the water in which they are to wash
their hair. [34] The lawed vine. In ancient Egypt and in India it
was a common belief that friends or relatives could tell from the condition
of a certain tree or vine whether the absent one was well or dead: if
the vine thrived, they knew that all was well, but if it wilted they mourned
for him as dead. It is interesting to find the identical belief in the
northern Philippines. [35] The Tinguian stove consists of a bed of ashes in
which three stones are sunk, and on these the pots are placed. [36] It appears that these people of ancient times possessed
the same weapons as those of today. The Tinguian ordinarily wears a head-ax
thrust into his belt, and when at work this is his hand tool. When on
a hunt or during warfare he also carries a wooden shield and a steel-pointed
spear from eight to ten feet in length. For attacks at a distance he depends
on the spear, but in a close encounter he uses his head-ax and shield,
the latter being oblong in shape and having two prongs at one end and
three at the other. The two prongs are to be slipped about the neck of
the victim while the head-ax does its work, or the three prongs may be
slipped about the legs in the same way. [37] From this and other incidents it is evident that
these people talked with the lightning and thunder. They still have great
regard for the omens derived from these forces; but it is now believed
that thunder is the dog of Kadaklan, the greatest of all the spirits,
and that by the barking of this dog, the god makes known his desires. [38] Stories in which animals come to the assistance of
human beings are found in many lands. One of those best known to Europeans
is where the ants sort the grain for Cinderella. [39] See note 2, p. 21. (Referenced note states: "The
water buffalo now used as the beast of burden throughout the Philippines.") [40] It was the ancient custom to place the heads of slain
enemies at the gate or around the town, and this practice still prevails
with some of the surrounding tribes. More recently it was the custom to
expose the head at the gate of the town for three days, after which followed
a great celebration when the skulls were broken and pieces were given
to the guests. [41] In their beliefs of today the Tinguian recognize
many giants, some with more than one head. In a part of the ritual of
one ceremony we read, "A man opens the door to learn the cause of
the barking and he sees a man, fat and tall, with nine heads." [42] A large bamboo pole, with all but the end section
cut out, serves for a water bucket. [43] A long bamboo pole, in one end of which a hard-wood
point is inserted. This is thrust into the ground, and in the hole thus
made the grain or cuttings are planted. This old method is still in use
in some sections of the mountains, but on the lowlands a primitive plow
is used to break the soil. [44] In European, Asiatic, African, and Malaysian lore
we find stones of beings with star dresses: when they wear the dresses
they are stars; when they take them off they are human. See Cox, An Introduction
to Folklore, p. 121 (London, 1904.). [45] See note 1, p. 9. (Referenced note states: "The
betel-nut is the nut of the areca palm. It is prepared for chewing by
being cut into quarters, each piece being wrapped in betel-leaf spread
with lime. It produces a blood-red spittle which greatly discolors the
teeth and lips, and it is used extensively throughout the Philippines.
While it appears to have been in common use among the Tinguian at the
time these stories originated, it has now been displaced by tobacco, except
at ceremonies when it is prepared for chewing; it is also placed on the
animals offered for sacrifice to the spirits. Throughout the tales great
significance is given to the chewing of betel-nuts before names are told
or introductions given, while from the quids and spittle it appears to
have been possible to foretell events and establish relationships.") [46] See note 1, p. 12. (Referenced note states: "The
Tinguian have no calendar, but reckon time by the recurrence of the moon.") [47] Preface, p. vii. [48] It is the custom to have a small bamboo house built
from fifteen to twenty feet from the ground near the rice fields, and
in this someone watches every day during the growing season to see that
nothing breaks in to destroy the grain. Often flappers are placed in different
parts of the field and a connecting string leads from these to the little
house, so that the watcher by pulling this string may frighten the birds
away from the grain. [49] See note 1, p. 18. (Referenced note states: "A
drink made of fermented sugar-cane.") [50] Preface, p. vi. [51] The nights in the mountains are cold, and it is not
at all uncommon in the early morning to see groups of people with blankets
wrapped tightly about them, squatting around small fires in the yards. [52] See note 2, p. 12. (Referenced note states: "It
is the present custom of the Tinguian to make numerous ceremonies for
the spirits. These vary in length from a few hours to seventeen days.
During this period animals are slaughtered, small houses are built, mediums
deliver messages from the spirits, and there is much feasting and dancing.") [53] See note 1, p. 13. (Referenced note states: "When
ripe, the betel-nut is covered with a golden husk, and it is possibly
because of this that they were said to be covered with gold. The present-day
Tinguian, in place of sending the betel-nut, sends a small piece of gold
to any relative or friend whom he specially wishes to induce to attend
a ceremony.") [54] See note 1, p. 17. (Referenced note states: "The
custom, which still exists to a certain degree, was to offer food to a
guest before any matter was discussed. In ancient times this was considered
very necessary, as it still is among the Apayao who live north of the
Tinguian. With them to refuse food is to refuse friendship.") [55] Compare with the biblical story of the loaves and
fishes. For similar incidents among the Igorot of the Philippines, in
Borneo, and in India, see Jenks, The Bontoc Igorot, p. 202; Seidenadel,
The Language of the Bontoc Igorot, pp. 491, 41 ff. (Chicago, 1909); Roth,
The Natives of Sarawak and British North Borneo, Vol. I, p. 319; Tawney,
Katha Sarit Sagara, Vol. II, p. 3 (Calcutta, 1880); Bezemer, Volksdichtung
aus Indonesien, p. 49 (Haag, 1904). [56] See note 1, p. 15. (Referenced note states: "The
parents of a boy choose his bride when the children are very young. A
great celebration is then held, and relatives and friends of both parties
decide on the price to be paid for the girl. Partial payment is made at
once, and the remainder goes over until the marriage proper takes place,
when the boy and girl are about twelve or fourteen years of age. In this
instance Ini-init makes the customary payment for his bride, though the
marriage had already taken place.") [57] See note 3, p. 15. (Referenced note states: "A
spirit house is one of the small houses built during a ceremony.") [58] There appear to have been two classes of spirits,
one for whom the people had the utmost respect and reverence, and another
whom they looked upon as being of service to mortals. [59] See note 1, p. 30. (Referenced note states: "Stories
in which animals come to the assistance of human beings are found in many
lands. One of those best known to Europeans is where the ants sort the
grain for Cinderella.") [60] The word used in the original is langpadan, meaning
mountain rice. This variety requires no irrigation and is planted to some
extent at the present day, but the great bulk of the grain now used is
grown in wonderfully terraced fields on the mountain sides, where water
for irrigating is brought from distant streams through a system of flume
and bamboo tubes. The fact that only the mountain rice is mentioned in
the tales reflects a very ancient life before irrigated fields were known. [61] See note 1, p. 45. (Referenced note states: "It
is the custom to have a small bamboo house built from fifteen to twenty
feet from the ground near the rice fields, and in this someone watches
every day during the growing season to see that nothing breaks in to destroy
the grain. Often flappers are placed in different parts of the field and
a connecting string leads from these to the little house, so that the
watcher by pulling this string may frighten the birds away from the grain.") [62] The labeug is the omen bird and is believed to be
the direct messenger of Kadaklan, the great spirit, to the people. [63] See note 1, p. 34. (Referenced note states: "It
was the ancient custom to place the heads of slain enemies at the gate
or around the town, and this practice still prevails with some of the
surrounding tribes. More recently it was the custom to expose the head
at the gate of the town for three days, after which followed a great celebration
when the skulls were broken and pieces were given to the guests.") [64] See note 1, p. 8. (Referenced note states: "The
belief that beauty is capable of radiating great light is not peculiar
to Tinguian tales, for it is also found in the Malay legends and in those
of India. It is not impossible that they had a common origin.") [65] See Preface, p. vii. [66] Before the bundles of ripened rice can be put into
the granary a ceremony is made for the spirits. The blood of a pig is
mixed with cooked rice and put in the granary as an offering for the spirit
who multiplies the grain, otherwise the crop would run out in a short
time. [67] See note 1, p. 9. (Referenced note states: "The
betel-nut is the nut of the areca palm. It is prepared for chewing by
being cut into quarters, each piece being wrapped in betel-leaf spread
with lime. It produces a blood-red spittle which greatly discolors the
teeth and lips, and it is used extensively throughout the Philippines.
While it appears to have been in common use among the Tinguian at the
time these stories originated, it has now been displaced by tobacco, except
at ceremonies when it is prepared for chewing; it is also placed on the
animals offered for sacrifice to the spirits. Throughout the tales great
significance is given to the chewing of betel-nuts before names are told
or introductions given, while from the quids and spittle it appears to
have been possible to foretell events and establish relationships.") [68] The spirit who stands next in importance to Kadaklan,
the great spirit. It was he who taught the people all good things, and
finally he married a woman from Manabo in order to bind himself more closely
to them. See "How the Tinguian Learned
to Plant." [69] This story is considered by the Tinguian to be of
rather recent origin. They believe that Sayen lived not so very long ago,
yet the stories woven around him are very similar to the ancient ones. [70] See "The Alan and
the Hunters." [71] The Tinguian now use flint and steel for making a
flame, but it is not at all uncommon for them to go to a neighbor's house
to borrow a burning ember to start their own fire. [72] The neighboring Ilocano, a Christianized tribe, know
the Komow as a fabulous bird which is invisible, yet steals people and
their possessions. [73] See note 1, p. 59. (Referenced note states: "The
spirit who stands next in importance to Kadaklan, the great spirit. It
was he who taught the people all good things, and finally he married a
woman from Manabo in order to bind himself more closely to them. See How
the Tinguian Learned to Plant.") [74] See note 2, p. 20. (Referenced note states: "Throughout
the Tinguian tales the characters are frequently described as changing
themselves into oil, centipedes, birds, and other forms. This power is
also found among the heroes of Dayak and Malay tales. See Roth, op. cit.,
Vol. I, p. 312; Perham, Journal Straits Branch R., Asiatic Society, No.
16, 1886; Wilkinson, Malay Beliefs, pp. 32, 59 (London, 1906).") [75] This tale is of special importance to the Tinguian
since it explains how they learned two of the most important things of
their present life-to plant and to cure the sick. It also shows how death
came into the world. [76] See note 1, p. 59. (Referenced note states: "The
spirit who stands next in importance to Kadaklan, the great spirit. It
was he who taught the people all good things, and finally he married a
woman from Manabo in order to bind himself more closely to them. See How
the Tinguian Learned to Plant.") [77] It is a common sight in a Tinguian village early
in the morning during the dry season to see a number of men armed with
spears and head-axes leaving for the mountains. They usually take with
them, to assist in the chase, a string of half-starved dogs. Often a net
is stretched across the runway of game, and then, while some of the hunters
conceal themselves near by, others seek to drive the game into the net,
where it is speared to death. [78] Ancient Chinese jars are found throughout the interior
of the Philippines and are very closely associated with the folk-lore
of the Tinguian. Some of the jars date back to the 10th century, while
many are from the 12th and 14th centuries, and evidently entered the Islands
through pre-Spanish trade. They are held in great value and are generally
used in part payment for a bride and for the settlement of feuds. For
more details see Cole, Chinese Pottery in the Philippines, Pub. Field
Museum of Nat. Hist, Vol. XII, No. 1. [79] This cave is situated in the mountains midway between
Patok and Santa Rosa. In this vicinity are numerous limestone caves, each
of which has its traditions. [80] Cabildo of Domayco, the envied owner of this jar,
has refused great sums offered for its purchase, and though men from other
tribes come bringing ten carabao at one time, they cannot tempt him to
sell. [81] These beautiful agate beads are still worn by the
Tinguian women, who prize them very highly. They are rarely sold and each
is worth more than a carabao. [82] The Alan are supposed to be deformed spirits who
live in the forests. They are as large as people, but have wings and can
fly. Their toes are at the back of their feet, and their fingers point
backward from their wrists. [83] The name by which spirits call human beings. [84] This treatment of the Alan is typical of that accorded
to the less powerful of the spirits by the Tinguian today. At the ceremonies
they often make fun of them and cheat them in the sacrifices. [85] Known to the Tinguian as Banog. This bird occupies
much the same place with the Tinguian as does the garuda in East Indian
folk-lore. [86] This tale gives to the Tinguian his idea of the future
world. Sogsogot is supposed to have lived only a short time ago, and his
experiences are well known to all the people. [87] See note 1, p. 15. Practically this same tale is
told by the neighboring Ilocano, from whom it may have been borrowed;
but here the Tinguian custom of paying a marriage price is introduced. [88] This type of story is also found farther to the south,
where the cleverness of the small animal causes him to triumph over the
strong. [89] The Tinguian house contains neither tables nor chairs.
The people usually squat on the floor, sitting on their heels; if anything
is used as a seat it is a bit of cocoanut shell or a small block of wood. [90] Here we have a proverbial tale, one in which the
Tinguian expresses the idea, "Haste makes waste." [91] Another version of this tale is found in British
North Borneo in the story of the plandok and the crab, while to European
children it is known as the race between the turtle and the hare. [92] The story shows the influence of the Christianized
natives, among whom cock-fighting is a very popular sport. It is found
only among those Tinguian who come into contact with this class. [93] Lumawig is the greatest of all spirits and now lives
in the sky, though for a time his home was in the Igorot village of Bontoc,
He married a Bontoc girl, and the stones of their house are still to be
seen in the village. It was Lumawig who created the Igorot, and ever since
he has taken a great interest in them, teaching them how to overcome the
forces of nature, how to plant, to reap and, in fact, everything that
they know. Once each month a ceremony is held in his honor in a sacred
grove, whose trees are believed to have sprung from the graves of his
children. Here prayers are offered for health, good crops, and success
in battle. A close resemblance exists between Lumawig of the Igorot and
Kaboniyan of the Tinguian, the former being sometimes called Kambun'yan. [94] The Bukidnon of Mindanao have the following story:
During a great drought Mampolompon could grow nothing on his clearing
except one bamboo, and during a high wind this was broken. From this bamboo
came a dog and a woman, who were the ancestors of the Moro. See "The
White Squash," note 1, p. 186. (Referenced note states:
"A common fancy in Malay legends is the supernatural origin of a
child in some vegetable, usually a bamboo.") [95] At the north end of the village of Mayinit are a
number of brackish hot springs, and from these the people secure the salt
which has made the spot famous for miles around. Stones are placed in
the shallow streams flowing from these springs, and when they have become
encrusted with salt (about once a month) they are washed and the water
is evaporated by boiling. The salt, which is then a thick paste, is formed
into cakes and baked near the fire for about half an hour, when it is
ready for use. It is the only salt in this section, and is in great demand.
Even hostile tribes come to a hill overlooking the town and call down,
then deposit whatever they have for trade and withdraw, while the Igorot
take up the salt and leave it in place of the trade articles. [96] The women of Samoki are known as excellent potters,
and their ware is used over a wide area. From a pit on a hillside to the
north of the village they dig a reddish-brown clay, which they mix with
a bluish mineral gathered on another hillside. When thoroughly mixed,
this clay is placed on a board on the ground, and the potter, kneeling
before it, begins her moulding. Great patience and skill are required
to bring the vessel to the desired shape. When it is completed it is set
in the sun to dry for two or three days, after which it is ready for the
baking. The new pots are piled tier above tier on the ground and blanketed
with grass tied into bundles. Then pine bark is burned beneath and around
the pile for about an hour, when the ware is sufficiently fired. It is
then glazed with resin and is ready to market. [97] The mythology of nearly all peoples has a flood story.
For the Tinguian account see note on page 103. (Referenced note states:
"The folk-lore of all countries has some story accounting for the
acquisition of fire. The Tinguian tale is as follows: Once in the very
old times Kaboniyan sent a flood which covered all the land. Then there
was no place for the fire to stay, so it went into the bamboo, the stones,
and iron. That is why one who knows how can still get fire out of bamboo
and stones.") For the Bukidnon story see
p. 125. [98] A bamboo basket, in which the heads of victims are
kept prior to the head-taking celebration. [99] The folk-lore of all countries has some story accounting
for the acquisition of fire. The Tinguian tale is as follows: Once in
the very old times Kaboniyan sent a flood which covered all the land.
Then there was no place for the fire to stay, so it went into the bamboo,
the stones, and iron. That is why one who knows how can still get fire
out of bamboo and stones. [100] See note 1, p. 99. (Referenced note states: "Lumawig
is the greatest of all spirits and now lives in the sky, though for a
time his home was in the Igorot village of Bontoc, He married a Bontoc
girl, and the stones of their house are still to be seen in the village.
It was Lumawig who created the Igorot, and ever since he has taken a great
interest in them, teaching them how to overcome the forces of nature,
how to plant, to reap and, in fact, everything that they know. Once each
month a ceremony is held in his honor in a sacred grove, whose trees are
believed to have sprung from the graves of his children. Here prayers
are offered for health, good crops, and success in battle. A close resemblance
exists between Lumawig of the Igorot and Kaboniyan of the Tinguian, the
former being sometimes called Kambun'yan.") [101] The magical increase of food is a popular subject
with the Tinguian, appearing in many of their folk-tales. See note 2,
p. 48. (Referenced note states: "Compare with the biblical story
of the loaves and fishes. For similar incidents among the Igorot of the
Philippines, in Borneo, and in India, see Jenks, The Bontoc Igorot, p.
202; Seidenadel, The Language of the Bontoc Igorot, pp. 491, 41 ff. (Chicago,
1909); Roth, The Natives of Sarawak and British North Borneo, Vol. I,
p. 319; Tawney, Katha Sarit Sagara, Vol. II, p. 3 (Calcutta, 1880); Bezemer,
Volksdichtung aus Indonesien, p. 49 (Haag, 1904).") [102] Note the similarity to the story of Moses in this
account of Lumawig striking the rock and water coming out. There is a
possibility that this incident was added to the story after the advent
of the Catholic missionaries. [103] Usually one or more new coffins can be found in
an Igorot village. They are made from a log split in two lengthwise, each
half being hollowed out. Since their manufacture requires some days, it
is necessary to prepare them ahead of time. After the body is put in,
the cover is tied on with rattan and the chinks sealed with mud and lime. [104] A somewhat similar idea is found among the Kulaman
of southern Mindanao. Here when an important man dies he is placed in
a coffin, which resembles a small boat, the coffin being then fastened
on high poles near the sea. See Cole, Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao,
Pub. Field Museum of Nat Hist, Vol. XII, No. 2, 1913. [105] This story, first recorded by Dr. A.E. Jenks, gives
the origin of the custom of head-hunting, which plays such an important
part in the life of the Igorot. The Igorot claim to have taken heads ever
since Lumawig lived on earth and taught them to go to war, and they declare
that it makes them brave and manly. The return of a successful war party
is the signal for a great celebration. [106] This is also the common way of making pottery. [107] Here we have a story, recorded by Dr. A.E. Jenks,
with a twofold value: it is told to the children as a warning against
stinginess, and it also explains the origin of the serpent eagle. [108] There is no jungle in the greater part of the Igorot
country, the mountains being covered by cogon grass with occasional pine
trees. At a distance these have a strange appearance, for only the bushy
tops are left, the lower branches being cut off for fuel. [109] First recorded by Dr. A.E. Jenks. [110] Tattooing is a painful process, but Igorot men,
women, and children willingly submit to it for the sake of beauty. The
design is first drawn on the skin with an ink made of soot and water:
then the skin is pricked through the pattern and the soot is rubbed into
the wounds. Various designs appear on the face, arms, stomach, and other
parts of the body, but the most important of all markings is that on the
breast of an Igorot man. This designates him as the taker of at least
one human head, and he is thus shown to be worthy of the respect of his
tribe. [111] This story also accounts for the origin of the crow
and the lizard, both of which are common in the Igorot country. [112] This story, first recorded by Dr. A.E. Jenks, while
it explain the origin of the little rice bird, also points a moral, namely,
that there is punishment for the disobedient child. [113] The common way to pound rice is to place a bundle
of the grain on the ground on a dried carabao hide and pound it with a
pestle to loosen the heads from the straw. When they are free they are
poured into a mortar and again pounded with the pestle until the grain
is separated from the chaff, after which it is winnowed. [114] According to the Klemantin myth (Borneo), the sky
was raised when a giant named Usai accidentally struck it with his mallet
while pounding rice. See Hose and McDougall, Pagan Tribes of Borneo, p.
142. [115] A somewhat similar belief that a giant crab is responsible
for the tides is widespread throughout Malaysia. The Batak of Palawan
now believe, as also do the Mandaya of eastern Mindanao, that the tides
are caused by a giant crab going in and out of his hole in the sea. [116] The similarity of this to the biblical story of
the Flood leads us to suppose that it has come from the neighboring Christianized
or Mohammedanized people and has been worked by the Bukidnon into the
mould of their own thought. However, the flood story is sometimes found
in such a guise that it cannot be accounted for by Christian influence.
See for example, The Flood Story as told
in the folk-lore of the Igorot tribe, on p. 102. [117] This celestial myth accounts for a number of constellations
which are of great importance to the Bukidnon. Magbangal appears in the
sky in almost dipper shape, the handle being formed by his one remaining
arm. To the west and nearly above him is a V-shaped constellation which
is believed to be the jaw of one of the pigs which he killed. Still farther
to the west appears the hill on which he hunted, while three groups of
stars which toward dawn seem to be following him are said to be his hatchet,
the bamboo pole in which he carried water, and his large pet lizard. It
is the appearance and position of these constellations in the sky that
show the Bukidnon when it is the time to clear land for the yearly crops
and to plant the grain; and since this knowledge is of the utmost importance
to the people, they feel that Magbangal does them a lasting service. The
hero Lafaang of a Borneo myth, who is represented by the constellation
Orion, lost his arm while trying to cut down a tree in a manner different
from that prescribed by his celestial wife, the constellation Pegasen.
See Hose and McDougall, Pagan Tribes of Borneo, Vol. II, p. 141. [118] Long knives. [119] Cloth is dyed in various colors by boiling it in
water in which different kinds of leaves or roots have been steeped. But
to produce a bluish-black shade the fabric is partly buried in mud until
the desired color is obtained. [120] Monkeys are numerous throughout the Philippines,
and it is doubtless their human appearance and actions that have caused
the different tribes to try to account for their origin from man. Here
we have the most likely way that the Bukidnon can see for their coming. [121] This is one of a series of tales dealing with mythical
heroes of former times whose acts of prowess are still recounted by Bukidnon
warriors. [122] A heavy padded hemp coat with a kilt which is supposed
to turn spears. Over the shoulder is worn a sash in which are a few peculiar
stones and charms which are believed to protect its wearer. Warriors who
have taken thirty human lives are permitted to wear a peculiar crown-shaped
headdress with upstanding points. [123] See note 1, p. 23. (Referenced note states: "This
peculiar idea, which frequently appears in Tinguian tales, is also found
in Javanese literature. See Bezemer, Volksdichtung aus Indonesien, p.
47 (Haag, 1904).") [124] This is a good example of the way in which people
at a certain stage try to account for their surroundings. Nearly all consider
themselves the original people. We find the Bagobo no exception to this.
In this tale, which is evidently very old, they account for themselves
and their neighbors, and then, to meet present needs, they adapt the story
to include the white people whom they have known for not more than two
hundred years. [125] These are evil spirits who have power to injure
people. They are ugly to look at and go about eating anything, even dead
persons. A young Bagobo described his idea of a buso as follows: "He
has a long body, long feet and neck, curly hair, and black face, flat
nose, and one big red or yellow eye. He has big feet and fingers, but
small arms, and his two big teeth are long and pointed. Like a dog, he
goes about eating anything, even dead persons." Cole, Wild Tribes
of Davao District, Field Museum Nat. Hist., Vol. XII, No. 2, p. 107. [126] This is evidently an old tale in which the story-teller
introduces modern ideas. [127] Here, as is often the case, an origin story has
been added to a tale with which it has no logical connection. [128] This story is well known among the Bilaan, who are
one of the tribes least influenced by the Spaniards, and yet it bears
so many incidents similar to biblical accounts that there is a strong
suggestion of Christian influence. It is possible that these ideas came
through the Mohammedan Moro. [129] The most powerful of the spirits and the one to
whom the people resort in times of danger. [130] A similar story is found in British North Borneo.
See Evans, Journal of Royal Anthropological Institute, 1913, p. 423. [131] Melu, Fiuweigh, Diwata, and Saweigh. [132] Buswit. [133] An origin story of a very different type from those
of the Bukidnon and Bagobo. While the others show foreign influence, this
appears to be typically primitive. [134] The omen bird of the Mandaya. It is believed to
be a messenger from the spirit world which, by its calls, warns the people
of danger or promises them success. If the coo of this bird comes from
the right side, it is a good sign, but if it is on the left, in back,
or in front, it is a bad sign, and the Mandaya knows that he must change
his plans. [135] The crab was called Tambanokano. [136] An eclipse of the moon. This belief in a monster
swallowing the moon and the wild efforts to frighten it away are very
widespread. It is found among the Batak of Palawan and in other parts
of Malaysia as well as in the South Sea, Mongol, Chinese, Siamese, and
Hindoo mythology. Even in Peru we find the belief that an evil spirit
in the form of a beast was eating the moon, and that in order to scare
it the people shouted and yelled and beat their dogs to make them add
to the noise. See Karlson, Journal of Religious Psychology, November,
1914, p. 164. [137] First recorded by Emerson B. Christie. [138] A brass box having three compartments, one for lime,
one for the nut, and another for the betel-leaf, which is used in preparing
the nut for chewing. [139] The Subanun have adopted the Moro dress, which consists
of long trousers and a coat. The tale shows strong Moro influence throughout.
Seven is a mystic and magical number among the Malay. It is constantly
used in divination and magical practices and repeatedly occurs in their
folk-lore. Skeat explains its importance by referring to the seven souls
which each mortal is supposed to possess. See Skeat, Malay Magic, p. 50. [140] No tales illustrate to better advantage the persistence
of old stories and beliefs than do these of the Moro. They are permeated
with incidents very similar to those still found among the pagan tribes
of the Archipelago, while associated with these are the spirits and demons
of Hindu mythology. Finally we find the semi-historical events recorded
by the Mohammedanized Malay, the ancestors of the tellers of the tales. [141] First recorded by N.M. Saleeby. [142] Those great birds are doubtless derived from Indian
literature in which the fabulous bird garuda played such an important
part. [143] A common name in Malay and Sumatran tales. [144] Probably Solomon of the Old Testament, who is a
great historic figure among the Malay and who plays an important part
in their romances. [145] See note 1, p. 28. (Referenced note states: "The
lawed vine. In ancient Egypt and in India it was a common belief that
friends or relatives could tell from the condition of a certain tree or
vine whether the absent one was well or dead: if the vine thrived, they
knew that all was well, but if it wilted they mourned for him as dead.
It is interesting to find the identical belief in the northern Philippines.") [146] In this case of a semi-historic being, whose father
was said to be the brother of the earthquake and thunder, we have an interesting
blending of mythological and historical facts. [147] Among Malay people the sultan is the supreme ruler
of a district, while petty rulers are known as datos. [148] Here, as in the Tinguian lore, we find heroes conversing
with animals and commanding the forces of nature to come to their aid. [149] This tale told by the Ilocano is well known among
both the Christianized and the wild tribes of the Philippines, and also
in Borneo and Java. However, the Ilocano is the only version, so far as
known, which has the explanatory element: the reason is given here why
monkeys do not eat meat. The turtle is accredited with extraordinary sagacity
and cunning. It is another example of the type of tale showing the victory
of the weak and cunning over the strong but stupid. See "The
Turtle and the Lizard," p. 86. [150] All the events here given represent present-day
occurrences, and the story appears to have been invented purely to amuse. [151] The headman of the town. [152] Here we have an excellent illustration of how a
story brought in by the Spaniards has been worked over into Philippine
setting. This is doubtless the classical story of Midas, but since the
ass is practically unknown in the Philippines, horns (probably carabao
horns) have been substituted for the ass's ears, which grew on Midas'
head. Likewise the bamboo, which grows in abundance, takes the place of
the reeds in the original tale. [153] A common fancy in Malay legends is the supernatural
origin of a child in some vegetable, usually a bamboo. See note 2, p.
99. (Referenced note states: "The Bukidnon of Mindanao have the following
story: During a great drought Mampolompon could grow nothing on his clearing
except one bamboo, and during a high wind this was broken. From this bamboo
came a dog and a woman, who were the ancestors of the Moro.") [154] A bird something like a hawk. [155] See note 1, p. 134. (Referenced note states: "This
story is well known among the Bilaan, who are one of the tribes least
influenced by the Spaniards, and yet it bears so many incidents similar
to biblical accounts that there is a strong suggestion of Christian influence.
It is possible that these ideas came through the Mohammedan Moro.") [156] This is undoubtedly a worked-over story, probably
brought in from Europe. Kings, queens, palaces, etc., were, of course,
unknown to the people before the advent of the Spaniards. [157] A long knife. [158] The fermented juice of the cocoanut. [159] This tale bears a striking resemblance to Grimm's
"The Table,
the Ass, and the Stick," Fairy Tales. [160] These Visayan tales reflect old beliefs covered
with a veneer of European ideas. The Visayan still holds to many of the
old superstitions, not because he has reasoned them out for himself, but
because his ancestors believed them and transmitted them to him in such
stories as these. [161] A very old explanatory tale. In a slightly varying
form it is found in other parts of the Islands. [162] Here we have an old type of tale explaining where
monkeys came from. See note 2, p. 130. (Referenced note states: "Monkeys
are numerous throughout the Philippines, and it is doubtless their human
appearance and actions that have caused the different tribes to try to
account for their origin from man. Here we have the most likely way that
the Bukidnon can see for their coming.") [163] The blow-gun is a Malayan weapon, which is used
extensively in the Philippines. Among certain wild tribes poisoned darts
are blown through it, but among the Christianized tribes a clay pellet
is used. [164] See note 1, p. 197. (Referenced note states: "The
fermented juice of the cocoanut.") [165] A Spanish coin worth half a cent. Cole,
Mabel Cook. Philippine Folk Tales. London:
Curtis Brown,
1916. |
|
©Heidi
Anne Heiner, SurLaLune Fairy Tales |