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Updated: May 27, 2025
The Kulaman warriors always taste of the liver of the slain "in order to become like Mandalangan," but they expressed the greatest disgust when it was suggested that the balance of the body might make good food.
Around it the warriors stick their spears and then one of the oldest of the company takes up a handful of the food and offers it to the spirit, saying: "Mandalangan come and eat, for we are ready to fight; go with us and help us." As he finishes his prayer each warrior takes a portion of the rice and throws it out of doors, for "they are not yet worthy to eat what Mandalangan has left."
Lamot ta Mangayo, also called Mandalangan, is the patron spirit of the warriors and is in all respects almost identical with Mandarangan of the Bagobo. The busau are a class of spirits, often ill-disposed toward men, who live in various parts of the mountains.
First is the desire for loot and slaves; then comes the ambition of the young men to be recognized as successful warriors; and finally, and most compelling is the demand of the spirit Mandalangan for victims. When his score has reached twenty-five he receives the still more honorable title of maisEg and is then allowed to dress entirely in black and to deck his hair with red flowers.
The body of the slain is opened, the liver is extracted and is eaten by the warriors who thus "become like Mandalangan." The head, forearms, and lower part of the legs are carried back to the village where they are cut to pieces by the women and children.
Mandalangan, also called Siling or Manobo Siring, is much like the Bagobo divinity of similar name. He is fond of war and bloodshed and when there has been a great slaughter he feasts on the flesh and drinks of the blood of the slain. Only warriors can address him and make the offerings of red food which he demands.
The men take no part in this mutilation of the body, but as soon as the fragments are buried they begin to dance, meanwhile holding their unsheathed knives high above their heads. At last they have fulfilled all the commands of Mandalangan and without fear they enter the house and partake of the red food which has been offered to him.
Once a year, usually after the rice harvest and when the moon is full, a raid must be made and victims slain so that this spirit can feast. If the Warriors fail to render him this service Mandalangan will cause their bodies to swell up and many will die, while sickness will visit all other members of the tribe. Data Bongkalasan says it was formerly the custom to make a foray at each full moon.
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