[Note: this transcription was produced by an automatic OCR engine]

NEVINBUR, NELENG, AND I'IMBE'El 475
importance. It is called Nimbiei. Very little is known about
it, and unfortunately such notes as do exist are fragmentary and
far from easy to interpret. In certain respects the ritual connected
with it seems to be akin to that of the Nimangki and N alum/an,
and it is curious that the effigy which is the focal point of all
the ceremonies is called Temes Sumpsump, and resembles the
seated ï¬Ågure of this name which is set up during the rites of
Némzmgki Tamup. For N imbe’m', however, the Ternes Sumpsurnp
is placed in a squatting position in the dancing ground, surrounded
by crotons, mbwingmbwingamb sprays and other sacred plants.‘
None of the proceedings seem to be secret; on the
contrary, even women are allowed to watch thcm throughout.
The details of the ritual have not been recorded, but the principal
transaction involves the purchase by the candidate of the effigy
already mentioned, and of :1 curious mask, made of spider's
web (nikambat) to which are fastened two faces, modelled and
painted in the usual Malekulan manner, These are bought,
through the medium of pigs, from any man who has himself
previously “madeâ€ù Nimbdei, and, as in the Nimangki and
Nalawan, this introducer gives (iomp) the candidate a presentation
pig. At some stage in the ceremonies, probably towards their
close, the spiders web is solemnly put over the candidate's head
(thereby blindfolding him), and the two faces then set in position
on it. Having once been thus invested with the badge of the
Nimbrfei, a man is entitled to wear this same mask whenever
he attends a Nimimg/v1‘ celebration either at home or abroad.
In addition to this Nimbe'ei society, however, there is in
Seniang another association hearing the same name, although
apparently quite distinct irom it. While the ï¬Årst Nimbfci is
i] recognized social institution whose rites are held in the public
dancing ground, the second Nimbdai carries out its work in
secret, and seems in truth to he an a.nti~social secret society. How
membership of the latter is acquired we Clo not know, but it is
certain that, unlike the practice in all other Malekulan secret
associations, those who are members of this Nimbe'ci hide the
fact from the rest of the community.
- Ami-aiiig to one brief note the dog was the principal object in the efï¬Ågy
connected with the ivimwii. This is curious, rm Ali.hO.gh the mythological
Clit.l'Q»l-‘l¢l‘0¢S, the Humbat 0! Lamburuhu, are said to have had dogs, these
animals were not iound on Malellula when this island was ï¬Årst discovered by
the Europeans, the dogs which the natives have to-day being all ï¬Åle Oï¬Åspring
oi those irnported by the white man. (cr. Chapter XX!.)—C, H. w.