Hostile raids against the neighboring Bila-an, Tagakaolo, and Ata seem
to have been common from the most ancient times. After the arrival of
the Spaniards there were many minor conflicts with the Moro, and the
tribal history takes note of several serious feuds between Bagobo
villages. Single warriors, usually those desiring to become _magani_,
sometimes enter hostile territory and there lie in wait for an
opportunity to spear a passing foe. The fact that these attacks are
frequently from ambush, or that whole families are slain while asleep on
the floors of their houses, does not seem to detract in the least from
the honor due for the deed. Generally, parties of sixty or more, under
the direction of a _magani_, are made up to avenge the death of their
townspeople, to secure loot and slaves, or to win glory and distinction.
An ambush is formed near to a hostile village and just at dawn an attack
is made on the early risers who are scattered and unprepared. The
invaders are usually satisfied with a few victims and then make their
escape. Women and children are either killed or are carried away as
slaves. It is customary for all the warriors to make at least one cut in
the bodies, and to eat a portion of the livers of enemies who have shown
great bravery, for in this way it is thought they gain in that quality.
This seems to be the only occasion when human flesh is tasted, despite
the fact that the members of this tribe have been frequently referred to
as cannibals.
The warriors of Cibolan and Malilla formerly carried heads of enemies to
their towns and made use of them during the _GinEm_ ceremony, while at
Bansalan and Digos a lock of hair, cut from the head of the slain,
answered the same purpose. Individual raiders sometimes carry home a
head or a hand as evidence of a successful fight, and at such times
festivals may be held to celebrate the event. However, the trophy soon
loses its value and is hung or buried at a distance from the village.
Head-hunting for the sake of the trophy itself, does not exist here.
Peace can be effected by means of a blood compact known as _dayandi_.
Each principal cuts his own wrist until the blood flows freely; this he
catches in his free hand and offers to the other participant to drink.
Sometimes the blood of both is caught and mixed in a dish from which
they drink, meanwhile addressing the _tigyama_,[29] saying, "We are now
like brothers, like children of the same parents, and now we cannot
fight any more. We ask you to be the witnesses."
[29] See p. 107. [Transcriber's note: 12 pages later in this document.]