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nydus/Argonauts of the Western PacificPublic
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Table of Contents

Chapter XVII Magic and the Kula

III—The Ceremonial Launching of a Canoe (Chapter VI, Division I)

ActivityMagic
The launching and trial runinaugurated byKaytalula wadola waga rite, belonging to the mwasila cycle of magic.

After this, there comes the interval, filled out by the Kabigidoya (ceremonial visiting,) by the preliminary trade and other preparations for the expedition overseas.

IV—The Magic During, and Preparations before the Departure (Chapter VII)

Time: some three to seven days before setting sail.

ActivityMagic
Preparing the canoe for sailing (placing of the mats on the platform, and of the frames in the body);inaugurated byYawarapu rite over the coco-palm leaves, done by the toliwaga to ensure success in the Kula. Kayikuna sulumwoya rite over the aromatic mint. Kaymwaloyo rite over the mint boiled in coco-nut oil, performed by the toliwaga .
Packing of the trade goods;associated withGebobo rite (called also: Kipwo’i sikwabu ), made over four coco-nuts by a friend or relative in law of the toliwaga , to make all the food last (the spell expresses only the desire for a good Kula.)

All this magic belongs to the mwasila, and it has to be performed by the toliwaga, with the exception

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