dedicated to the spirits and are used only at this time. These plates
are arranged in a row in the center of the room and the _mabalian_
gather around them. Taking a wand of sandal wood in her hand one of the
number waves it over the offerings, while she chants long prayers.
Beginning with the most powerful, she addresses the spirits one by one,
thanking them for the care they have given to the growing grain and to
the laborers, and for the bounteous harvest. Frequently individuals will
interrupt the proceedings to place near to the _mabalian_ a fine knife
or some other prized object which they desire to have presented to the
spirits as evidence of their gratitude. At first, it is a little hard to
understand this lavishness, but it transpires that the former owners
still have possession of these objects, and that the spirits offer no
objections to their use, so long as their ownership is not disputed,
truly a case of eating the pie but still having it.

The knives and other implements which have been used in the fields are
laid on a large basket filled with rice, "in order that they may eat,
and, therefore, have no cause to injure their owners." Another large
dish of rice is set aside as a special offering. In some cases this is
taken out to the fields, where it is eaten by the wife, or wives of the
host; but in Cibolan it is kept in the house until the next morning,
when it is eaten by all the members of the family. The ceremonial eating
of this rice causes the supply to last longer and assures abundant rains
for the succeeding crop. Part of the food from the dishes is placed in
the _tambara_ and shrines, and then all the guests are permitted to
feast and make merry. Unlike most Bagobo ceremonies this one lacks the
music of the _agongs_,[27] for only bamboo guitars, flutes, and the
_bolang-bolang_ are permitted at this time. The last named instrument is
made by placing a board on a rice mortar; the women gather around it
with their wooden pestles and beat a rythmical[sic] tattoo. This