steem by the people of the Padada region, but he is not recognized by
the Tagkogon branch of the tribe. Another spirit, Bawi, who owns the
rice, is in great favor with the Padada people, but is unknown to the
latter group. Flau is the spirit of an unborn child whose mother died in
pregnancy. Its cry is often heard at night, and at times it attacks and
injures people.

These natural spirits are very powerful, and since they sometimes
interest themselves in the doings of mortals it behooves all to keep
their good will. Below them is another class of spirits, less powerful,
but far more concerned in the affairs of men, and for this reason more
to be feared should they become displeased. This class is made up of the
spirits of the dead. A man's spirit, _almogol_, does not live in his
body, but always accompanies him during life. If at any time it wanders
the man becomes ill, and if it fails to return its owner dies. After
separating from the body the _almogol_ goes to Kilot, a good place below
the earth where there is no work or punishment. There it spends most of
its time, but upon occasion returns to its former haunts where it aids
or injures the living.

The _almo-os_, already mentioned,[62] have considerable influence with
all the spirits, but they are particularly close to the _almogol_. When
a person is ill he is placed in a little house known as _lawig_ (Plate
LII), beside which a fire is kindled. Nearby are two decorated bamboo
sticks, behind which the spirit of the sick man stands while he watches
the proceeding. The _almo-os_ takes a chicken in his hands and, while
five or six assistants dance, he chants, appealing to the spirit to see
the good things that are being prepared, and to be pleased to return to
the sick man. Occasionally, the music stops and one of the dancers cries
"_almogol_, here is food for you; you must not go away." After a time
the fowl is killed, is cooked over the fire, and is fed to the invalid,
while the "doctor" continues his song of entreaty. If the call pleases
the spirit it will pass between the bamboo sticks and go to the sick
person in the _lawig_, but if it is not convinced that it should remain
it departs, and the patient dies. The sick person is kept in the spirit
house for a day and is then returned to his home.

[62] See page 133.

Little structures known as _bolon_ are erected for other spirits who may
be trying to injure the _almogol_ or attempting to persuade it to leave
it