Quote:
|
The sinalawitan is a Bontoc term, perhaps derived from "salawit" which means barb. On the other hand, The Kankakaey-speaking peoples of Benguet describe those spirits of persons who died of violent deaths as not "nalawitan" meaning that they have not been invited to his/her home or house of living relatives in order to participate in activities such as ritual sacrifices. As a consequence, these spirits remain in precipices and places where accidents are likely to occur; and at the same time occupy themselves with malevolent acts. "Lawit" is the calling of such anitos. These anito spirits were feared by travelers to cause misfortune and accidents. It is possible that this belief may have brought about the belief that the sinalawitan spear scares away spirits that cause trouble to travelers.
|
thanks for the clarification, Noy. little is known about the mountain province weaponries since not too many research has been done.