CHELAM (Cave at)

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

An allegedly large cave (note 1), which is spacious enough to hide, for example in times of social insecurity, (note 2) a store of food supplies, household items, and a fine collection of antlers. This storage cave is mentioned in the expedition log by Lieutenant WOODTHORPE, R G (1873 / 1978: 242-243) of the Royal Engineers: Rice in large quantities, yams, beans, and many domestic articles were found hidden away [on circa 11th February 1872] about a mile from camp [note 3], in a large cave on the hillside, through which a tiny stream of water trickled (note 4). CULTURAL HISTORY - human use, folklore & religion: Close to this stream was a small basket, containing a little rice suspended from a small two foot bamboo. On one side of the basket hung a slight diamond-shaped framework on which were twisted cotton threads, red, black, and white, behind which were arranged little lumps of clay pinched up into the semblance of men without legs, completing the arrangement by which I suppose theLushais thought to propitiate their gods, and secure their protection for this concealed property. In this cave was a very fine collection of antlers. Foraging parties also discovered large quantities of rice in many places around …Lushais thought to propitiate their gods, and secure their protection for this concealed property. In this cave was a very fine collection of antlers. Foraging parties also discovered large quantities of rice in many places around …