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Chapter One. The Material Background |
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banyan tree, look-out at entrance to village |
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At the entrance to the village a large banyan tree stretched its branches across the path, and passing under this natural porch one found oneself in a large open space. To one side stood a bachelors' hall ( morung) and from this large building a gangway on bamboo poles led to a lookout in the high branches. In the days of head-hunting, sentries posted at this vantage point could observe every movement on the path leading up to the village, and in the fields on the slopes far below. |
