The pagan tribes of Borneo - Get a Free Blog Here

THE SOCIAL SYSTEM 65
between houses, trials for murder or serious personal
injuries.
The degree of authority of the chiefs and the
nature and degree of the penalties imposed by them
are prescribed in a general way by custom, though
as regards the former much depends upon the
personal qualities of each chief, and as regards
the latter much is left to his discretion. The
punishments imposed are generally fines, so many
tawaks (gongs), parangs (swords) or spears, or other
articles of personal property. On the whole the
chief plays the part of an arbitrator and mediator,
awarding compensation to the injured party, rather
than that of a judge. In the case of offences
against the whole house, a fine is imposed ; and the
articles of the required value are placed under the
charge of the chief, who holds them on behalf of the
community, and uses them in the making of payments
or presents in return for services rendered to
the whole community.
The chief also is responsible for the proper
observation of the omens and for the regulation of
malan (tabu) affecting the whole house ; and, as
we shall see, he takes the leading part in social
ceremonies and in most of the religious rites
collectively performed by the village. He is regarded
by other chiefs as responsible for the
behaviour of his people, and above all, in war he is
responsible for both strategy and tactics and the
general conduct of operations.
For the maintenance of his authority and the
enforcement of his commands the chief relies upon
the force of public opinion, which, so long as he is
capable and just, will always support him, and will
bring severe moral pressure to bear upon any
member of the household who hesitates to submit.
In return for his labours on behalf of the household
or village the Kayan chief gains little or
VOL. I
F