The Monmouth inquirer., 1926-01-07

straw, leaf twigs of peach tree. and
perforated yellow paper 1t was about
three feet in diameter and stood two
feet above the ground. In the straw
band sticks were placed in an erect
position, while in the center was
larger branch of peach tree, in the fork
of which was placed gray bowl hold
ing what was, to all appearances, the
image of devil made of dough, en-
throned between two burning incense
sticks.
Gongs were beaten, and the Tombas
now appeared in fantastic crowns or
diadems consisting OF segments re-
sembling leaping flames. A large
rooster was brought forward by the
sick man. It's head and mouth were
washed and 1t was then taken away
for the time being. The hollow tones
of the drum became long drawn out
and the chanting merged into plain
tive funeral melody.
The offering to spirits Of the an
cestors was now to be made. A min
iature pinewood coffin was placed on
the ground at the foot of the altar,
while the chief Tomba produced tiny
chick, which he held firmly. Both the
Tomba and the sick man knelt down,
and the latter bombarded the chick
with rice and small peas, some Of
which were forced down the birds
throat. Finally the chicks wings were
besmeared with -four and quantity
forced down it's throat till it was suf-
located. The death was announced by
NASH funeral dirge.
After it had been washed and its
feathers had been combed the bird
was gently placed in the little coffin
and covered with rice. red pepper, and
perforated yellow paper to keep It in
the world of shadows.
All now rose and for ten minutes
they chanted the weirdest Of funeral
dlrges. Wine offerings were next
placed before the coffin and rice and
boiled, potatoes placed on top. The
sick man. in a kneeling position, de-
voured all 9 he offering. This may
be cagled the first act.
Dance OF the Tomba.
The second act was Initiated by
lively tempo Of the drum and gongs.
Al bonfire was kindled not far from
Nthe altar and into 1t a plowshare was
brought TO red heat. The chief
Tomba exchanged his black robe for
blue one. his crown, called Khobyu in
Nashi. gave place TO scarlet turban;
in his sash in the rear he placed four
perforated flags, two white and two
red. The drums and gongs struck up
satanic tempo, which rapidly In
creased in violence, while the Tomba,
sword now in hand, now between his
teeth, now hurled against the ceiling
from between his legs, danced as If
he himself were possessed Of the devil
Once more the poor rooster appeared
on the scene to be sacrificed. A
weird long roll OF the drum announced
that his life was extinct.
A pot with oil was placed on
Sazier il front Of the door. while the
faba danced frantically with flaming
OF paper In his right hand. With
warning he leaped into the bon
and with his bare feet scattered
burning logs into the four corners
the courtyard. With his sword he
led the glowing plowshare from the
placed 1t ON the ground and
hnced around 1t furiousIy. now swish
Ing It with his bare feet, now standing
on it; and finally after placing it
erect, point upward. licked It with his
tongue
He now dipped his hand into the
hot oil. holding the pot in his bare
left hand, entered another room, and
emerged with the pot full Of blue
flames With his burning pot aud
fame dripping fingers he rushed from
room to room. sword IN mouth, to
every corner of the house, driving out
the devil. who might be covering
somewhere in a nook.
American curiosity demanded that
the sick man be examined next morn
ing 10 the anazement Of the ex
aminer ne showed no signs Of ever
having had a diseased gum Or palate.
although the bad tooth remained.