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THE NIMANGKI SOCIETY 311:
and Nimweil, it will be well to discuss here although it does not
immediately precede the latter. This is the grade N etm Mwelip .
We know, it is true, practically nothing about it, for although
what is probably a brief and incomplete account of its rites
has been preserved, it is unfortunately written in the native
dialect and is untranslated. Nevertheless, it has been possible
to make out something-—enough indeed to show that, low down
on the list as Neten Mwelip appears, it is for all that associated
with the two grades which we have just been considering. The
justification for this statement lies in the fact that for Netm
Mwelip a small stone circle (nonggab) is made ; in front of it is
set up a nawm mbatia pole and against the foot of this
is placed a coco-nut frond. Inside the mmggob, however,
no malandr is planted, but in its stead a small temes.‘ The
candidate pays for the " opening of the door ", as he
does in Nevclvel apparently, as well as for the nonggob, namm
mbatia, and temes.“ After this aisumpndew is beaten, the guests
arrive to dance tea-/, and the rites proceed according to the usual
plan with the presenting of a pig by the introducer to the
candidate, the investiture of the latter with a pig's tusk hracelet—
the tusk and the stone with which the man's wrist is struck
being on this occasion wrapped in toromban (a variety of croton)
leaves as they are for Neliwis (see below]. It appears that after
this the men who are present run a special race, which, it is
possible, may take the place of “ the bringing in of the cycas "
which occurs in theceremonies of Nimweil, or oi the curious
ball-game which is performed during the entrance rites of N aliwis.
.=lW:llO’tGlk€S part in this race is not clear, but there is something
.=t0_5.suggest that it is led by the introducer, his assistant, or one
roi-hisimates. .Apparently the men form into single ï¬Åle and then
.»-,_». =1 , .
- >1 Here. again there is some disagreement between Layard and Deacon.
A_coording to the former s mzmiar (Erythrina) bush is planted inside this stone
circle, and outside, just in front of it, an image of nimimia wood. The {ace oi
thrsus painted red, " and on to its head is tied a leaf of the umbrella palm
(mw‘M_/u). This leaf is celled in this instance Mititie, which means ‘a baby ',
and IS so called because it represents the head-covering (nnknmlm) placed on
the,hea.ds of images in the higher degrees, the present degree being as yet
‘ small for the complete article." The coco-nut leaf is leaned against the toot
‘of the image. (Layard. 1928, p. I61.)
- . _ ’ According to Leyard (p. _l62) two more small pigs are sacriï¬Åcially killed
with a pig-killer, one for the image and one for the stone circle. This is not
mentioned by Deacon, but it is reminiscent of the two pigs killed-—one for the
wumbul and one for the carved yarn—a.t entrance to Mbm Ru and Naulas (see
below).-C, H. W. V