Good Character and Bad Character: The Manobo Storytelling Audience as Society’s Jurors

Six Ilianen Manobo stories transcribed from oral performances, are presented here. The stories selected are those frequently used to transmit highly-valued Manobo cultural goals and values, including those used as parable in establishing precedent in the formal setting of custom-law cases. An introductory chapter provides background information on the native storyteller and some characteristics of her performances, and analyzes the social role of storytelling within this culture. Some analysis of stories is also offered here. The stories follow; each includes texts in both Manobo and English, with footnotes containing cultural, historical, and linguistic information. Notes at the beginning of each story provide traditional and international context. The six story titles are: "Bad Character (Girl) and Good Character (Girl)"; "Wide-Back"; "Child of a Hermit"; "The Monkey and Terigtig-Bird"; "Tulalang"; and "The Hermit." Contains 57 references. (MSE).