CAMPHOR CEREMONIES.
One of the most important industries of Borneo is camphor gathering, and many weird religious rites are connected with it. Camphor is obtained from the wood and leaves of the camphor tree, and the variety grown in Borneo is particularly valuable. The industry is in the hands of the native*. The camplicr is found on certain trees, either in crystals like sugar, or in masses. Tl'esa large pieces are not unlike the human forearm in shape and size. Before the natives set out to gather the camphor their villages are uncannily silent. The men who are to reap tlie harvest avoid oil of any kind, and when they set out take neither pins nor mirrors with them. While they ire away from home they may eat only certain foods, and each man must consume a small portion of earth to ensure good luck. The gatherers speak in certain set phrases, which form what is known as the holy camphor lan^uace.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 1, 2 January 1937, Page 3 (Supplement)
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162CAMPHOR CEREMONIES. Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 1, 2 January 1937, Page 3 (Supplement)
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