Chapter 15

DYAK BELIEFS AND SUPERSTITIONS

The Dyaks do not worship idols, but they believe in certain gods and spirits, who are supposed to rule over different departments of life, and to these deities they make offerings and sing incantations at certain times.

The following are the more important gods among the Dyaks.

Singalang Burong takes the highest position in honour and dignity, and is the ruler of the spirit-world. It is doubtful what the word _Singalang_ means, but _Burong_ means "bird," and probably _Singalang Burong_ means "Bird Chief." The Dyaks are great observers of omens (see