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visit to Jakhama and Kigwema |
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pulling in of a new rice pounder by Makuma khel |
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As I was leaving the village I heard a rhythmic sing- sing coming from the outskirts and I arrived in time to witness the pulling in of a new rice pounder by boys and men of the Makuma Khel. The rice pounder is made from a single tree and resembles a flat and heavy boat. It is about three feet wide and seven feet long with sides curving upwards from the keel. |
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When I came up with the party, some men were knotting the tough fibres of the rapu creeper through a hole and attaching them to long ropes of the same material. A great band of boys and young men stood in two lines holding the fibres and when all was ready the pounder was launched and pulled swiftly to the bottom. From there it moved slowly up the rise, the long lines toiling at the heaving ropes. |
