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382 MALEKULA
of Ambrym. Now the latter are not associated with the Nimangki
but probably with the Luan. Since in Seniang also the masks
(temes) belong to the Nalawan, it is more than probable that
at Vanbaut as well they belong to this society and not to the
Nimangki. This is the more probable since it is almost certain
that these notes concerning the Nimangki in eastern Malekula
were collected very early during Deacon’s time in the New
Hebrides, before he himself had discovered that the Nalawan
and Nimangki were entirely distinct associations.
Before passing on to other ritual societies of the Malekulans,
it will be as well to say something here of Deacon's views
concerning the distribution of the Nimangki in Malekula and
neighbouring islands. These he summarized in a letter, WRITTEN
about six weeks after his arrival in South-West Bay, and although
information which he acquired later caused him doubtless to
modify them somewhat, in general outline his theory probably
remained constant.
"Concerning the Nimangki, I found that the highest grades
Mali, Tari, and Liwusi (or Liwuhi), had a wide diffusibii-|. . .
from the west coast of Santo, through Malo to Omba and Raga,‘
with deï¬Ånite evidence of a diffusion from Malo to Omba. On the
other hand it appears that the grade names of East Malekula,
Ambrym, and formerly Epi are the same, with the probability
of a diffusion from Ambrym to Epi. The grade names of the
Maskelynes and South-West Bay are also the same. Provisionally
then the Nimzmgki may be divided into three groups :—
" (1) The group found in Malo, South and West Santo, Omba,
and North Raga. This is present then in the matrilineal area of
the New Hebrides, with dual organization in West Santo, parts of
Omba and Raga, and clan exogamy elsewhere. It is characterized
by the use of stone tables on which pigs are killed and the ritual
prominence of the cycas.
“ (2) The group found in East Malekula, Ambrym, and Epi.“
This is distinguished by the erection of mrved wooden images, and
platforms set up over them on which pigs are killed. Here too
the cycas is ritually important.
" (8) The group found in the Maskelyne Islands and at South-
West Bay. This is in many respects akin to the group just
mentioned, as, for instance, in the setting up of carved wooden
images. It is, however, distinct from it in the erection of stone
1 See A. B. Deacon, 1929. pp. 472-3, 497; and W. 1-I. R. Rivers. 1914, vol. i,
210
' To these islands there should probably be added South Raga. (See
le P. Tattevin, l927.)—C. H. W.
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