Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalof495019071908roya).pdf/24

 forge an old notch. A stick which has been kept for years acquires quite a high value as a 'lucky' stick: it is customary also in disputes to swear with such sticks calling down vengeance on themselves if they tell a lie. Kenyahs, whose conservatism is not very strong, often content themselves with sticks devoid of carving or polish and even sometime without the image of the god.

In conclusion therefore it seems to us very probable that. in the knotted string (terbuku tali) of the more civilised and better known natives of Borneo and perhaps in the tally stick we have something which did not originate merely as a means of counting but which is a relic that has largely lost its original meaning of covenant.