The pagan tribes of Borneo - Get a Free Blog Here

THE SOCIAL SYSTEM 75
claims to be able to speak to him— presumably the
language of the heart. The youth thus encouraged
may presume to remain beside his sweetheart till
early morning, or
old people have
to return
retired.
to her side
When the
when the
affair has
reached this stage, it becomes necessary to secure
the public recognition which constitutes the relation
a formal betrothal. The man charges some elderly
friend of either sex, in many cases his father or
mother, to inform the chief of his desire. The
latter expresses a surprise which is not always
genuine ; and, if the match is a suitable one, he
contents himself with giving a little friendly advice.
But if he is aware of any objections to the match
he will point them out, and though he will seldom
forbid it in direct terms, he will know how to cause
the marriage to be postponed.
If the chief and parents favour the match, the
young man presents a brass gong or a valuable
bead to the girl's family as pledge of his sincerity.
This is returned to him if for any reason beyond
his control the match is broken off. The marriage
may take place with very little delay ; but during
the interval between betrothal and marriage the
omens are anxiously observed and consulted. All
accidents affecting any members of the village are
regarded as of evil omen, the more so the more
nearly the betrothed parties are concerned in them.
The cries of birds and deer are important ; those
heard about the house are likely to be bad omens,
and it is sought to compensate for these by sending
a man skilled in augury to seek good omens in the
jungle, such as the whistle of the Trogan and of
the spider-hunter, and the flight of the hawk from
right to left high up in the sky. If the omens are
persistently and predominantly bad, the marriage
is put off for a year, and after the next harvest
fresh omens are sought. The man is encouraged