Journal of the Federated Malay States museums - Sabrizain.org

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80 Journal of the F.M.S. Museums. [Vol. VII,
necklets, flutes, * and rice bags, but they do not call for special
remark, being similar to those manufactured by other tribes.
The coloured crown-like head-dresses, made of sweet smelling
leaves and fibres, worn by some of the men are, perhaps,
worthy of note, as they resemble those made by the Sakai of
the Piah and Temengoh Valleys.
Beliefs and Customs.
I could obtain no evidence that the Sakai of the Kinta
Valley have any theory of a Supreme Being, nor was I able to
find out that they had any legends accounting for the various
phenomena of nature, as have most savage tribes, but I give
below such details as I learnt with regard to their beliefs and
customs.
Work Tabus.
It is according to Udah, my informant, not allowable to
do work in the clearing when :
i. The moon falls at the rising of the sun—three days
tabu.
2. The moon is at the full and looks swelled—three days
tabu. (It is said to be about to give birth).
3. The moon is beginning to decline and is " notched
like a reaping knife "—three days tabu. (It has given birth).
4. The old moon is about to die— (two days tabu).
5. The new moon appears— (two days tabu).
If work is done when the new moon is about to die, somebody
in the house will die. If work is done at the new moon,
pigs will come and damage the crops.
It is tabu to cut rattans at the edge of a clearing in which
padi is planted.
Tabus connected with food.
The flesh of the following animals is forbidden to women
and it is thought that the breaking of the tabu would cause
the children to suffer from convulsions. Some laxity of
observance, however, with regard to these customs seems to
be creeping in ; and it is a matter for the woman herself
whether she observes all, or any, of the prohibitions.
The Muntjac.
The species of tortoise called Bailing by the Malays.
The Mouse deer.
The Rusa deer (tabu not observed by all women).
The Fowl.
It is not customary for the Sakai to eat fowls reared in
their own village, though they will consume birds bought from
outsiders, provided that they have not been kept in the village
for a day r two. They told me that the reason for this was
* The nose-flute does not seem to be known in this district.