FIG. 11. COCOANUT SHELL SPOONS WITH WOODEN HANDLES.

FIG. 12. TAMBARA OR BASKET-LIKE RECEPTACLE IN WHICH OFFERINGS ARE MADE
TO THE SPIRITS.

This is our picture of a typical home. It is not a cheery place by day,
for the lack of windows, as well as a fog of smoke from the open stove,
makes it dark and gloomy. Nevertheless, since the house offers a cool
retreat from the blazing sun, and the smoke-laden air is free from flies
and mosquitoes, it is a popular resort for all members of the family
during the hottest part of the day. The little light, which filters in
through the many cracks in the floors and walls, is sufficient to allow
the women to spin, dye, weave, and decorate their clothing, or to engage
in other activities. After dark the resinous nuts of the _bitaog_ tree,
or leaf covered resin torches are burned, and by their uncertain light
the women and men carry on their labors until far into the night.
Entrance to the dwelling is gained by means of a notched log, bamboo
pole, or by a ladder of the same material. As a protection against
strong winds many props are placed against the sides of the house, and
when large trees are available the dwellings are further secured by
being anchored to them with rattan lines.

In each settlement or district will be found one large house built on
the same general plan as the smaller dwellings, but capable of housing
several hundred people (Plate XV). This is the home of the local _datu_
or ruler. All great ceremonies are held here, and it is the place to
which all hasten when danger threatens. It is the social center of the
community, and all who desire go there at any time and remain as long as
they wish, accepting meanwhile the food and hospitality of the ruler.