The Bagobo makes no use of boats or rafts, for until recent times he has
lived at a considerable distance from the sea; and the rivers, which
flow in deep cañons, may be changed in a day from tiny streams to
rushing torrents in which no craft could keep afloat. Left to his own
devices, he pays little attention to trails, but cuts his way through
the underbrush directly to his destination. The government has forced
him to clear and maintain several fairly good roads between the larger
settlements and the coast, and these are now the highways over which he
transports his hemp and other trade articles. Quite a number of carabao
and horses are to be found in the territory, where they are used as pack
and riding animals. Both men and women are excellent riders and take
great pride in the decoration of their mounts. The saddle used is carved
from wood, in exact duplication of those used by the Spaniards. The
copper bits are also copies, but are of native casting. Strings of bells
surround the neck of a prized animal, and it is further beautified by an
artificial forelock. Rattan whips, wound with braid, and decorated with
beads, are also a part of his trappings. According to Bagobo tradition,
they have had horses from the most remote times, and Professor
BLUMENTRITT is inclined to believe that they possessed these animals
prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. In support of this contention, he
points to the fact that, unlike most Philippine tribes, they use the
Malayan name.[28]
[28] The terms used are, _bait koda_--stallion, and _mamat koda_--mare.
[Transcriber's note: The uncontracted forms of these phrases are _bayi
ta koda'_ and _mama ta koda'_. Because _bayi_ means "female" and _mama_
means "male," the definitions of "stallion" and "mare" appear to have
been interchanged in error.]
Heavy loads of field products are transported on animals, or are carried
in cylindrical bark or rattan boxes or carrying frames (Fig. 30). Such a
receptacle is supported on the back by means of a band which passes
around the forehead, or by other bands which slip over the shoulders.
Both sexes carry loads in this way, although it must be confessed that
consideration for the members of the gentler sex has not reached such a
stage that they are relieved of any great part of such labor. When
gathering grain and forest products, or when searching for snails, the
woman attaches a small basket to her belt so that it hangs at a
convenient height against her thigh. We have previously noticed the
decorated bags and baskets which serve as pockets, and also contain the
betel nut outfits.