The fish is then taken up into the house, and having been cut
into seven pieces is cooked. The seven pieces of fish with
seven portions or dishes of rice are set out in the centre of
the floor as an offering. The feast is then proceeded with
and portions are sometimes thrown down for the spirit. This
is probably the rite referred to in the Burma Census Report,
1911, Part I, page 149, in section 132 headed " Totemism."
As it is one of the things that may be put off until a more
convenient season, it is quite likely to take place often at
harvest time. It is only attended to once for each woman
and it seems to be called for often when there is need felt
for honouring the kalok. The women are not exactly cut off



(i



THE TALAINGS 99

/frbra the connection, as they are still bound to come when a
kalok dance is arranged in the family.
Often it happens that in a Talaing village you find a
man of other race married to a Talaing woman and
using the Talaing language. The issue of this marriage
is to all intents and purposes Talaing. Sincd, however,
the kalok follows the male |line only, such families
have no kalok shi, or house spirit. The only connection
they can have with the kalok is through their wives,
but the men are not bound to observances and seem
invariably to disclaim any connection with the kalok.
