TRANSPORTATION AND TRADE.

The Bagobo makes no use of boats or rafts, for until recent times he has lived at a considerable distance from the sea; and the rivers, which flow in deep ca~nons, may be changed in a day from tiny streams to rushing torrents in which no craft could keep afloat.  Left to his own devices, he pays little attention to trails, but cuts his way through the underbrush directly to his destination.  The government has forced him to clear and maintain several fairly good roads between the larger settlements and the coast, and these are now the highways over which he transports his hemp and other trade articles.  Quite a number of carabao and horses are to be found in the territory, where they are used as pack and riding animals.  Both men and women are excellent riders and take great pride in the decoration of their mounts.  The saddle used is carved from wood, in exact duplication of those used by the Spaniards.  The copper bits are also copies, but are of native casting.  Strings of bells surround the neck of a prized animal, and it is further beautified by an artificial forelock.  Rattan whips, wound with braid, and decorated with beads, are also a part of his trappings.  According to Bagobo tradition, they have had horses from the most remote times, and Professor BLUMENTRITT is inclined to believe that they possessed these animals prior to the arrival of the Spaniards.  In support of this contention, he points to the fact that, unlike most Philippine tribes, they use the Malayan name.[1]

[1] The terms used are, bait koda—­stallion, and mamat koda—­mare.

[Transcriber’s note:  The uncontracted forms of these phrases are bayi ta koda’ and mama ta koda’.  Because bayi means “female” and mama means “male,” the definitions of “stallion” and “mare” appear to have been interchanged in error.]

Heavy loads of field products are transported on animals, or are carried in cylindrical bark or rattan boxes or carrying frames (Fig. 30).  Such a receptacle is supported on the back by means of a band which passes around the forehead, or by other bands which slip over the shoulders.  Both sexes carry loads in this way, although it must be confessed that consideration for the members of the gentler sex has not reached such a stage that they are relieved of any great part of such labor.  When gathering grain and forest products, or when searching for snails, the woman attaches a small basket to her belt so that it hangs at a convenient height against her thigh.  We have previously noticed the decorated bags and baskets which serve as pockets, and also contain the betel nut outfits.

FIG. 30.  CARRYING FRAME.

A small child is supported at the mother’s hip by means of a broad sash, which passes over the right shoulder and under the left arm.  When it is able to walk the scarf is discarded, and it sits astride the mother’s hip, where it is held in place by her left arm.  Older children and the men devote considerable time to the newcomers, but at a very early age the youngsters begin to run about as wild and carefree as only little savages can.