Journal of the Federated Malay States museums - Sabrizain.org
Journal of the Federated Malay States museums - Sabrizain.org
Journal of the Federated Malay States museums - Sabrizain.org
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80 <strong>Journal</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> F.M.S. Museums. [Vol. VII,<br />
necklets, flutes, * and rice bags, but <strong>the</strong>y do not call for special<br />
remark, being similar to those manufactured by o<strong>the</strong>r tribes.<br />
The coloured crown-like head-dresses, made <strong>of</strong> sweet smelling<br />
leaves and fibres, worn by some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> men are, perhaps,<br />
worthy <strong>of</strong> note, as <strong>the</strong>y resemble those made by <strong>the</strong> Sakai <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Piah and Temengoh Valleys.<br />
Beliefs and Customs.<br />
I could obtain no evidence that <strong>the</strong> Sakai <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kinta<br />
Valley have any <strong>the</strong>ory <strong>of</strong> a Supreme Being, nor was I able to<br />
find out that <strong>the</strong>y had any legends accounting for <strong>the</strong> various<br />
phenomena <strong>of</strong> nature, as have most savage tribes, but I give<br />
below such details as I learnt with regard to <strong>the</strong>ir beliefs and<br />
customs.<br />
Work Tabus.<br />
It is according to Udah, my informant, not allowable to<br />
do work in <strong>the</strong> clearing when :<br />
i. The moon falls at <strong>the</strong> rising <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sun—three days<br />
tabu.<br />
2. The moon is at <strong>the</strong> full and looks swelled—three days<br />
tabu. (It is said to be about to give birth).<br />
3. The moon is beginning to decline and is " notched<br />
like a reaping knife "—three days tabu. (It has given birth).<br />
4. The old moon is about to die— (two days tabu).<br />
5. The new moon appears— (two days tabu).<br />
If work is done when <strong>the</strong> new moon is about to die, somebody<br />
in <strong>the</strong> house will die. If work is done at <strong>the</strong> new moon,<br />
pigs will come and damage <strong>the</strong> crops.<br />
It is tabu to cut rattans at <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> a clearing in which<br />
padi is planted.<br />
Tabus connected with food.<br />
The flesh <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following animals is forbidden to women<br />
and it is thought that <strong>the</strong> breaking <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tabu would cause<br />
<strong>the</strong> children to suffer from convulsions. Some laxity <strong>of</strong><br />
observance, however, with regard to <strong>the</strong>se customs seems to<br />
be creeping in ; and it is a matter for <strong>the</strong> woman herself<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r she observes all, or any, <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> prohibitions.<br />
The Muntjac.<br />
The species <strong>of</strong> tortoise called Bailing by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Malay</strong>s.<br />
The Mouse deer.<br />
The Rusa deer (tabu not observed by all women).<br />
The Fowl.<br />
It is not customary for <strong>the</strong> Sakai to eat fowls reared in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own village, though <strong>the</strong>y will consume birds bought from<br />
outsiders, provided that <strong>the</strong>y have not been kept in <strong>the</strong> village<br />
for a day r two. They told me that <strong>the</strong> reason for this was<br />
* The nose-flute does not seem to be known in this district.