wipe out the whole Christianized population. The Mandaya had
become so impressed by the nightly appearance of Diwata that it is more
than probable they would have joined the Moro in their project had not
an American planter at Mayo learned of the plot. He imprisoned the
leaders, thus ending a scheme which, if successful, would have given new
attributes to at least one of the spirits.

[124] The religious head of the settlement.

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION

The before-mentioned _ballyan_ direct the religious observances of the
tribe. Their mysterious powers give them great influence among their
fellows but, nevertheless, they are subservient to the local ruler.

The tribe is divided into many small groups, each of which is governed
by a _bagani_. To reach this coveted position a man must have
distinguished himself as a warrior and have killed at least ten persons
with his own hand.[125] The victims need not be killed in warfare and
may be of any sex or age so long as they come from a hostile village.
When the required number of lives has been taken, the aspirant appeals
to the neighboring _bagani_ for the right to be numbered in their select
company. They will assemble to partake of a feast prepared by the
candidate and then solemnly discuss the merits of his case. The petition
may be disregarded entirely, or it may be decided that the exploits
related are sufficient only to allow the warrior to be known as a half
_bagani_. In this case he may wear trousers of red cloth, but if he is
granted the full title he is permitted to don a blood-red suit and to
wear a turban of the same hue. This distinction is eagerly sought by the
more vigorous men of the tribe and, as a result, many lives are taken
each year.

[125] At Mayo it was said that it is necessary to kill only six, but the
two _bagani_ living there had each killed more than twice that number.
Among the Mansaka the number required is often as high as thirty.

A short time ago a candidate entered the district of Bungalung on the
east coast of Davao and killed thirty-two persons. In that same section
are now living five _bagani_ who have gained this title by similar
exploits.[126] Whole communities become involved in feuds as a result of
these individual raids, for it is the duty of a murdered man's family to
seek revenge for his death. It is not necessary that they kill the
offender, as any member of his family or settlement will suffice. In
some districts the unmarried