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The taboo is usually strictly observed through ten days; but should there be some urgent reason, such as planting or reaping, it may be raised somewhat earlier. It is concluded by the blood and oil ceremony. The lakay, the other old men of the settlement, and all the relatives, gather in the house of mourning, while the mediums prepare for the ceremony.
Sayen went back to his house. When he got there, he took his headaxe, spear, and shield, and he went to Kadalayapan. When he got there, he began to kill the people of the town. When he had killed many people the lakay called Danipán, "Come out, Sayen is killing many people of the town, because you did something bad to him."
He is chosen by the older men of the village, and holds his position for life unless he is removed for cause. It is possible that, at his death, his son may succeed him, but this is by no means certain. The lakay is supposed to be well versed in the customs of the ancestors, and all matters of dispute or questions of policy are brought to him.
When an epidemic appears in a nearby settlement, the lakay summons the old men in council, and they decide on the number of pigs, and the amount of rice, basi, and other articles required, after which the necessary funds are secured by levying a tax on all the people of the village.
The lakay and his advisors will give their decisions according to the decrees of the past, if that is possible, but when precedent is lacking, they will deliberate and decide on a course. The following may be taken as typical of the laws or customs which regulate the actions of the people, within a group, toward one another. Rules governing the family.
The village is the social unit within which there are no clans, no political, or other divisions. The Tinguian are familiar with the Igorot town, made up of several ato but there is no indication that they have ever had such an institution. The head of the village is known as lakay. He is usually a man past middle age whose wealth and superior knowledge have given him the confidence of his people.
Never enter a dwelling, when the owner is away, and has removed the ladder from the door. Never enter a village dirty; stop and bathe at the spring before going up. Only dogs enter the houses without bathing. A village generally consists of two or three settlements, situated near together, and under the authority of a single lakay or headman.
"No, old man, you tell your name first," said Algaba. Not long after, "My name is Pagatipánan who am the Lakay of Kadalayapan." Not long after, "My name is Pagbokásan who is the father of Aponibalagen of Kaodanan." Not long after, "My name is Algaba who is the son of an alan who has deformed feet, who has no sister; we are not like you people who have power," said Algaba.
Land and houses are seldom transferred, except at the death of the owner, but should a sale or trade be desired, the parties to the contract will make the bargain before the lakay and old men, who thus become witnesses. A feast is given at such a time, and is paid for by either the seller or the buyer.
Should a lakay deal unjustly with the people, or attempt to alter long established customs, he would be removed from office and another be selected in his stead. No salary or fees are connected with this office, the holder receiving his reward solely through the esteem in which he is held by his people.
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