Slaves are kept, but their duties are so similar to those of the
freeborn that it is impossible for the casual observer to pick out the
members of this class.
Until recent years a large part of the man's time was taken up in
preparation for or active participation in the inter-tribal fights.
There are several incentives for these raids. First is the desire for
loot and slaves; then comes the ambition of the young men to be
recognized as successful warriors; and finally, and most compelling is
the demand of the spirit Mandalangan for victims.
A man who has killed five or more persons is entitled to wear a red suit
covered with peculiar white designs (See Plate LXIII), and is henceforth
known as _mabolot_. When his score has reached twenty-five he receives
the still more honorable title of _maisEg_ and is then allowed to dress
entirely in black and to deck his hair with red flowers.[84]
[84] The flowers used are _Celosia cristata L., Graptophyllum hortense
nees_; _Coleus atropurpeus Benth_.
A raid is made only when the moon is full. A dish of red rice is
decorated with red flowers and is placed in the center of the room.
Around it the warriors stick their spears and then one of the oldest of
the company takes up a handful of the food and offers it to the spirit,
saying: "Mandalangan come and eat, for we are ready to fight; go with us
and help us." As he finishes his prayer each warrior takes a portion of
the rice and throws it out of doors, for "they are not yet worthy to eat
what Mandalangan has left." Returning to the room they all eat of white
rice and are ready for the raid. In addition to their spears they should
carry shields and fighting knives, and in recent years quite a number
have come into possession of firearms.
Although the warriors are bold in their attack and do not hesitate to
assault strong villages, they have no scruples against seizing or
killing members of small parties or the inhabitants of isolated
dwellings.[85] It is necessary that the raiders secure at least one
victim, otherwise another foray must be made at once. The body of the
slain is opened, the liver is extracted and is eaten by the warriors who
thus "become like Mandalangan."[86] The head, forearms, and lower part
of the legs are carried back to the village where they are cut to pieces
by the women and children. The men take no part in this mutilation of
the body, but as soon as the fragments are buried they begin to dance,
meanwhile holding their unsheathed knives high above their heads. After
a time the head-man blows loudly on a decorated bamboo trumpet (Fig.
46), while all the men unite in shouting "to announce their victory." At
last they have fulfilled all the commands of Mandalangan and without
fear they enter the house and partake of the red food which has been
offered to him.
[85] Should water fall by accident on a warrior who is on a raid, it is
considered a bad omen and the plans may be changed or delayed. In one
instance the owner of a place marked for attack fastened dishes of water
so that the marauders unwittingly knocked them over on themselves, and,
as a result, the place was left unharmed.
[86] At times the skull is opened and the brain eaten.