The World of Agusan Manobo Music

 

Tukajan

    Tukey or tukajan is held to appease the double, which is believed to have been bothering the life/breath of an infant. Manobos verbalize that the baby’s existence is “registered” in the world during this ceremony. Not needing the services of the medium, several species of plants whose inherent physical characteristics are magically transferred to the “twin” figures made of non-edible tubers. These represent the baby and its double. In upper right photo, the ritual officiant tickles and feeds the icons with cooked rice mixed with charcoal and chicken sacrificial blood. The origin and identity of the double as a forest being of the mountain world is indicated by the use of plants. After the ritual, the twin icons are put on a bamboo salver, along with chicken feathers, a proof of witnessing the act of sacrificing that just ended. Manobos say that harm will no longer visit the infant because the sacrificial act has been materialized or seen.