Note 77 — Chapter V · MAGIC RITES CONNECTED WITH THE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OF NATURE

Tongkat: the tongue is commonly said tongkatkan mulut (to prop open the mouth) when the tip of it is pressed against the roof of the mouth. I therefore venture to read tongkat mulut for tongkat, because the context shows that this is what is meant, the tongue being (not inaptly) compared in shape to a crocodile. Tongkat can hardly be used here in the sense of a “staff”; even if mulut is not actually read, it must still be understood. ↑