Note 15 — THE TECHNICAL CULTURE OF THE ANDAMAN ISLANDERS

The principal weapon of the Semang, as of the Andamanese, is the bow and arrow. In hunting they also use spears15, thus showing a difference from the Andamanese. Some of the Semang make use of the blow-pipe with poisoned darts, but it is practically certain that they have adopted the use of this weapon from their neighbours the Sakai16. They also make use to some extent of traps with which to capture jungle animals and birds. The wilder Semang living in the mountains have little opportunity of obtaining fish. Those of them that dwell near rivers use fish-spears and harpoons for catching large fish, and a small basket-work scoop for catching small fry17. They also fish with rod and line, the hooks being, as a rule, roughly manufactured from bits of brass or other wire18. The Semang have no special fighting weapons either offensive or defensive.