rit is addressed: "O God, Thou who has created men and trees, and
all things, do not deprive us of life, and receive in exchange this bit
of wood which has our face."

In obstinate cases the invalid may be removed from his own house to
another, in order that he may be under the care of the good spirits
residing there. The _mabalian_ appplies[sic] certain medicines and then
decrees a period of taboo, during which no outsiders may enter the
house. Those within at the time the medicine was given may go out if
they desire, but must return there to sleep. Should it become evident
that the patient will die he is taken back to his own place, otherwise
his family would be called upon to reimburse the owner of the house in
which the death occurs, for bringing evil or unfriendly spirits into
their dwelling.

Governor Bolton describes a somewhat different procedure among the
members of the Guianga branch of this tribe. Having learned that Datu
Angalan was ill he went to see him, but found his house deserted. The
_datu_ was finally located in a small hut about a hundred yards away
from his own dwelling, with no attendants. The governor writes, "When I
went in the tribesmen entered. I soon found that I had broken a charm
which prevented anyone seeing him for a certain time; that he had been
placed in the hut for that reason, and to insure his not dying in the
large house. It is likely that they had a human sacrifice at that
time."[40]

[40] Extract from letters of Gov. Bolton, in files of the Governor at
Davao.

Following a death the body is covered with good clothing and is placed
in the middle of the house. Wailers sit by the corpse, fanning it to
keep away flies, or making an occasional offering of food; while the
friends gather to talk of the virtues of the deceased, to console the
family, and to partake of the food and drink which has been provided for
the gathering. The body is kept over one night, and in the case of great
personages, for three days, or until the coffin--a large log split in
halves and hollowed out--is prepared. When this is ready the body is
placed in it, together with some prized articles of the deceased. After
the top has been fitted to the lower portion, they are lashed together
and the cracks are filled with lime.[41] The body is buried beneath the
house, and the grave is protected by a bamboo fence, within which is
placed food, small offerings, or perhaps a shield and spear. In some
instances the co