Samales (15).
These people inhabit the islands of Samal and Talicud, in the Gulf of Davao, and are not to be confounded with the Moros Samales of Tawi-tawi and Jolo.
The Samales surpass both the Moros and Nisayas in muscular development and stature.
Their feet and hands are large; they have high and projecting cheek-bones, and a stiff beard standing out round the face gives it, according to Montano, something of a cat-like appearance. Both sexes dress like the Moros.
They are less ferocious than their neighbours, and do not, like them, go about armed.
They do not commit any aggressions, and are industrious. In character, they are superior to the Moros, and are not like them—cunning and deceitful.
They have been on good terms with the Spaniards for a long time, but until quite lately they were very obstinate, and could not be persuaded to be baptized.
They cultivate the usual crops, fish, and make salt. The women weave dagmays.
They used to have slaves, whom they purchased from the Moros or Manobos, and treated them well.