The use of poison [13] is twice mentioned.  In one case the victims are killed by drinking liquor furnished by the father of the girl about whose head they are dancing (pp. 148, 156).

Bamboo spears appear to be used, but we are explicitly told that they fought with steel weapons, and there are frequent references to headaxes, spears, and knives (pp. 65, 76, 120).

Marriage appears generally to be negotiated by the mother of the youth at his suggestion (p. 128).  At times both his parents go to the girl’s home, and after many preliminaries broach the subject of their mission (p. 128).  The girl’s people discuss the proposition, and if they are favorable they set a day for the pakalon—­a celebration at which the price to be paid for the bride is decided upon (p. 49).  The parents of the groom then return home after having left some small present, such as a jar or an agate bead, as a sign of engagement (p. 128) [14].  The pakalon is held a few days later at the girl’s home, and for this event her people prepare a quantity of food (p. 72).  On the agreed day the close friends and relatives of both families will assemble.  Those who accompany the groom carry jars and pigs, either in part payment for the bride, or to serve as food for the company (pp. 72, 128).  The first hours are spent in bargaining over the price the girl should bring, but when this is settled a feast is prepared, and then all indulge in dancing the tadek (p. 59) [15].  When the payment is made a portion is distributed among the girl’s relatives (pp. 72, 74), but her parents retain the greater part for themselves [16].  The groom cannot yet claim his bride, although in one case he is allowed to take her immediately after the pakalon by making a special payment for the privilege (p. 74).  A few nights later the groom goes to the girl’s home carrying with him an empty jar with which he makes the final payment (p. 73).  The customary rice ceremony [17] follows and he is then entitled to his bride (p. 73).  Should the house or anything in it break at this time, it foretells misfortune for the couple, hence precautions are taken lest such a sign should, by accident, be given (p. 60).

In all but two cases mentioned the girl and her husband go to live with his people.  In the first instance their failure to do so raises a protest; in the second, the girl’s parents are of much more importance than those of the groom, and this may explain their ability to retain their daughter (pp. 138, 159).

When the bride reaches her future home, she sits on the bamboo floor with her legs stretched out in front of her.  The slats which she covers are counted and a string of agate beads, equal in length to the combined width of the slats, is given to her.  She now becomes a full member of the family and seems to be under the orders of her mother-in-law (p. 60).