Bahau Sickness Statues

Pair of Bahau sickness statues. These spirit statues are present during the Berayun ceremony. Carved from one piece of the Belian / Billionwood tree. In its early stage, or if it is slight, the sickness is usually dealt with by the Dukun, an expert in herbal cures and magic charms, who would also prescribe medicine. If the sickness persists, then an expert would be invited to carve image of the responsible spirit in sago pith, called a Blum / Belum. After the appropriate spell is said over it and a mixture of chewed betelnut, sireh leaves and lime spat at it, the bad spirit is said to have left the patient and entered the image. After water has been poured over the image and patient, recovery would take place if the diagnosis has been correct.

The spirit would remain in the image for 3 days, after which it would be taken to the proper habitation of the spirit, the jungle or the river, and abandoned there. If the above ritual is not successful then more complicated healing ceremonies like the Berbayoh, Baguda and Berayun will be carried out in which images are sometimes used.