16It is called pa-ágai.
It is generally believed that the war chiefs are provided with antidotes17 against the kometán. In fact, several assured me that they possessed them, but they were unwilling to enter into any details. I once saw a little bottleful of strange-looking herbs and water sold for P2.50. It was said to be an antidote against the particular species of kometán, which, on being placed in the path, would affect the one for whom it was intended when he passed the spot.
17Súm-pa.
A piece of lodestone,18 or even an ordinary toy magnet, is thought, in certain localities, to act as a safeguard against divers kinds of evil charms.
18Bá-to bá-ni.
OTHER MAGIC MEANS
I found a prevalent belief in the existence of an aphrodisiac19 which is said to consist of wax made by a small insect called kí-ut, and of the ashes of various trees. The secret of compounding it is known to very few. There is a persistent rumor that this was first learned from the Mamánuas,20 who are supposed to be very proficient in the making and use of it even to this day. If a little of the composition is put on the dress of a woman, or, better still, if a little packet of it is attached to her girdle charms she will become attached to the man who placed it there and will aid him, as far as it can be done, in his suit for her hand.
19Called hu-pai.
20It is strange that the more advanced tribes in eastern Mindanáo attribute a knowledge of magic methods to inferior ones. I have been informed that both Mamánuas and Mañgguáñgans are more expert in the manufacture and administration of charms than other tribes.