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The trial by hurling canes is carried out in the following way. In the middle of a rice terrace or on some other level place the two litigants or their champions take their stand at a distance of some ten meters from each other. To each of them the go-between gives a cane, ugub, which is almost as long as one chopa or arm’s length. According to an agreement made beforehand between the two parties one of the two contestants, at the signal given by the go-between, hurls his cane at his opponent who stands sideways showing his profile in order to reduce the chances of being touched. If the missile fails to touch the body of this opponent, the latter then has his turn to throw his cane at the first contestant who also stands sideways. They then exchange canes, begin anew, and continue until one of them is hit. If the cane touches the body in such a way that it is only diverted somewhat from its course the one who hurled it is not proclaimed the winner: to leave no doubt as to the winner, the missile must be stopped completely, and by the body, not by the legs or the head. If either of the adversaries should try to avoid being touched by bending or by stepping forwards or backwards, he would by so doing be proclaimed the loser. Needless to say, there is much excitement during this trial as during the wrestling trial, which may explain why skilfull hurlers can miss their aim again and again although the distance between the two contestants is a relatively short one.

  • Source: Lambrecht, Francis. The Mayawyaw ritual: parts 1-5. Washington, D.C.: Catholic Anthropological Conference, 1932, 1935, 1938, 1939, 1941.
  • Culture: Ifugao
  • Location: Asia