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the priest places some porridge and chicken on banana leaves in front of each group. He then places in his left hand a piece of the bark of a certain sacred tree and covers it with some feathers. Next he takes a little of the porridge and chicken's flesh with his right hand and, placing it on the bark, he holds it to the mouth of the most senior man, who eats it out of the hand of the priest. The priest next passes down the line, serving each communicant. After this rite all are served with palm wine.
When the masker returns he skips about from tree to tree, leaping in the air like a bird, and when he finally comes to rest on his chair all salute him by clapping their hands. As the new moon has now disappeared all return home leaving the masker and the priest.
Similar rites are performed at the waning of the moon, but they are attended by a few only and little food is provided, for the moon-deity is sick and about to die. The priest addresses the masker saying: "Formerly when you came we welcomed you, and during your stay we had health and prosperity. No evil befel even one of our chickens, and witchcraft entered not amongst us. Now you are about to leave us, and we beseech you to depart without anger against us, even though one of our number should, in forgetfulness, make a noise on the day of your departure. But care for us even in your absence. When you die salute for us our forefathers, and when you rise again on the third day and return to us, be not wrathful towards us."
The priest then offers him some food and wine, but the masker scarcely partakes. The people salute by clapping their hands gently, for the deity is sick unto death and cannot bear a noise. He makes desultory movements and then wanders slowly off to the town to bid farewell to the women. When he reaches the town he begins to utter groans and all the women wail "Alas! Alas!" Then he slowly murmurs: "I am dying and am leaving you. But on the third day I will rise again and come unto you. Meanwhile abide in peace, and when I return receive me with rejoicing and offerings of gratitude."
On returning to the grove he falls down into his chair and all the men present bid him a quiet farewell, leaving him to "die" in the care of the priest.
It will have been observed from the petitions offered to the