mabalīan

Bagobo mediums and shamans. They are primarily old woman, or middle-aged, although men are not barred from this profession. Having sufficient knowledge of the spirits and their desires, they are able to communicate with them. The mabalīan make the ceremonies and offerings that will attract the spirits' attention, secure their good will, or appease their wrath.

Those mabalīan who know how to weave and dye the turban worn by the maganī, the leader of the war party, are under the special protection of Baītpandī and are allowed to wear garments made of red cloth, the same as the maganī.

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