FIG. 8.  THE “STOVE.”

FIG. 9.  BAMBOO PLATE RACK.

FIG. 10A.  RICE MORTAR.

FIG. 10B.  PEDESTAL WHICH REACHES TO THE GROUND.

FIG. 10C.  CIRCLE OF CORN HUSKS PLACED SO AS TO PREVENT GRAIN FROM
          FALLING OUT.

FIG. 10D.  WOODEN PESTLE.

A child’s cradle, made of a blanket suspended hammock-like between the wall and a beam support, will probably be found.  A few boxes and jars, usually of Chinese make, and always a copper gong or two are regular furnishings, while to these can be added a miscellany of clothing, looms, spears, shields, meat blocks, spoons (Fig. 11), and the like.  Akin to furniture, since they are found in every house, are little basket-like receptacles made by splitting one end of a bamboo pole into several vertical strips and then weaving in other shorter horizontal strips (Fig. 12).  These are attached to walls and supporting poles, and in them offerings are made to the various spirits.

FIG. 11.  COCOANUT SHELL SPOONS WITH WOODEN HANDLES.

FIG. 12.  TAMBARA OR BASKET-LIKE RECEPTACLE IN WHICH OFFERINGS ARE MADE
TO THE SPIRITS.

This is our picture of a typical home.  It is not a cheery place by day, for the lack of windows, as well as a fog of smoke from the open stove, makes it dark and gloomy.  Nevertheless, since the house offers a cool retreat from the blazing sun, and the smoke-laden air is free from flies and mosquitoes, it is a popular resort for all members of the family during the hottest part of the day.  The little light, which filters in through the many cracks in the floors and walls, is sufficient to allow the women to spin, dye, weave, and decorate their clothing, or to engage in other activities.  After dark the resinous nuts of the bitaog tree, or leaf covered resin torches are burned, and by their uncertain light the women and men carry on their labors until far into the night.  Entrance to the dwelling is gained by means of a notched log, bamboo pole, or by a ladder of the same material.  As a protection against strong winds many props are placed against the sides of the house, and when large trees are available the dwellings are further secured by being anchored to them with rattan lines.

In each settlement or district will be found one large house built on the same general plan as the smaller dwellings, but capable of housing several hundred people (Plate XV).  This is the home of the local datu or ruler.  All great ceremonies are held here, and it is the place to which all hasten when danger threatens.  It is the social center of the community, and all who desire go there at any time and remain as long as they wish, accepting meanwhile the food and hospitality of the ruler.