Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 31.djvu/651

Rh they lose their claims to nobility, and are fined for not having retained their rank.

When, as frequently occurs, the chief does not live in the village, of which he is the head, his place is filled by one of the nobles, who, acting under the orders of the chief, attends the deliberations of the council, furnishes the requisite number of men for the husbandry service, and communicates the wishes of his master to the people.

The religion of all of these tribes is one of fear: a constant offering up of sacrifices to propitiate evil spirits. Famine, plague, sickness, and misfortune are supposed to have their origin with them. They preside over all things, and govern at will. The waters, the forests, each tree, each mountain, is inhabited by spirits; even the villages are supposed to be governed by them. Hence, they build huts at the entrances to their towns wherein these guardian spirits may dwell, and yearly sacrifices, consisting of various animals, are offered up to them, lest the harvest fail. Sacrifices are also made when one of their number is sick, in order to drive out the evil spirit, or at least to appease it. Their house-spirit is the only one for which they have any respect, as they imagine that their ancestors from time to time re-visit them, and a small table in one corner of the room is always reserved for them. At certain solemn occasions this table is saluted by them with the greatest respect. As a general rule, however, these people care very little for their gods, excepting in time of danger and misfortune.

The huts of the principal tribes are constructed of wood and built upon piles. The walls are of braided bamboo, made in such a manner that, even when the windows and doors are closed, there is little difficulty in reading and writing within, the poor braiding allowing the entrance of light. The roof is also made of bamboo covered with palm-leaves. Not a single nail or pin is used in the construction of these houses. When a new one has been completed, the head of the family makes grand preparations to properly celebrate the event, according to his means. Oxen are killed, wine is drunk, pipes smoked, and there is general rejoicing on the part of the family and its guests. Intoxication, however, is rarely met with on these occasions.

The interior of the hut corresponds in simplicity with its exterior, In order to gain admission it is necessary to first climb the ladder suspended from the door; before entering the feet are bathed in a long bamboo tube filled with water, as shoes are but little worn. As there is no outlet for the smoke arising from the fireplace, excepting through the roof and the crevices at the sides, the room is constantly filled with it. Three large stones serve as a tripod. Shelves containing rice, salt, and other articles of food are ranged about the room. Knives, hatchets, and the indispensable bamboo tube containing fresh water, are conveniently placed. On what may be considered the ground-floor, fowls, pigs, and other domestic animals make their home.