| caption: |
magic before head hunt, Ghawang called on |
| text: |
The same rule of abstinence also has to be followed prior to a war excursion. When men go out on a head hunt they call upon Ghawang as follows to ensure success: "Ghawang let us meet men, boys and Angs". Their wives in the meantime are not allowed to go to the fields nor pound rice. They may only fetch water and wood. The houses of warriors however are genna for strangers. (234) But Ghawang is not only called upon in unusual circumstances but also again and again in daily life. At every meal first a bit of rice is put aside with the words "Ghawang eat first". This happens as I was explicitly told in the morning, midday and evening. When a chicken or pig is killed, again Ghawang receives his part with the same words. |
