File:Children of Borneo (1912) (14576761869).jpg

Identifier: childrenofborneo00gome (find matches)
Title: Children of Borneo
Year: 1912 (1910s)
Authors: Gomes, Edwin Herbert, 1862-
Subjects: Children -- Borneo Borneo -- Social life and customs
Publisher: Edinburgh and London : Oliphant, Anderson & Ferrier
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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the Mencha or SwordDance, and the Ajat or V/ar Dance. In the former,two swords are placed on a mat, and two men beginslowly from the opposite ends turning their bodiesabout, extending the arms, and lifting their feet andplanting them down in grotesque but not ungracefulattitudes. After moving about for some minutes,they seize the swords and pass and repass each other,now cutting, now crossing sv/ords, retiring and advanc-ing. The main idea of this Sword Dance seems to bethe posturing in different attitudes, and not so muchthe skni displayed in fencing. I have often watcheda Dyak Sword Dance, where neither has touched theother with his sword, the movements having been soleisurely that there has been plenty of time to ward offeach attack. The Ajat or War Dance is danced by one man. Heis generally fully armed with sword, spear and shield.He acts in pantomime what is done when on the war-path. The dancer begins by imitating the creepingthrough the jungle in cautious manner, looking to the
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A inAK (ilKI. IN i;a;.A (11^ I I \i;. THE WITCH DOCTOR 51 right and to the left, before and behind, for the foe.The lurking enemy is suddenly discovered, and aftersome rapid attack and defence, a sudden plunge ismade upon him, and he lies dead on the ground. Thetaking of the head of this invisible enemy ends thedance. Both kinds of dancing are accompanied bythe striking of brass gongs and drums. Cock-fighting is a favourite sport, and there is agreat deal of it at all Dyak forests. The cocks haveartificial steel spurs which are very sharp. CHAPTER X THE WITCH DOCTOR The children of Borneo are taught from their earliestyears that there are evil spirits ever5rwhere—in theair, in the trees, in the rocks and in the streams—andthat these cause disease and death. And so whensickness comes, the witch doctor or Manang is sent for,because he claims to have mysterious powers over thespirits. Every disease is believed to be caused by the touchof some demon, who wishes to carry off the soul o

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