by Dr. Laurence R. Goldman
Mali Dagia is a spell made to increase brightness (kiau) of decoration and bodily ornamentation. These spells were often traditionally paired such that the first part increased the performer’s attractiveness, while the second portion decreased the beauty of an opposing Mali team. These competitive aspects of ritual dancing were previously part of Tege and is a facet of both Haroli and courting songs.
Mali Gamu are still widely practiced, a factor attributable to the nature of modern celebrations (sing sing) which offer monetary rewards for the ‘best’ performance.
The following Mali Dagia spell was performed by Hebale of Koma immediately prior to the performance of Mali in Ialuba in July 1978:
The Lesser bird is coming down onto the cleared dancing ground at Iri
It is coming down onto the cleared dancing ground at Irai
It is coming down onto the cleared dancing ground at Haroli Hanai
The Lesser bird is coming onto the cleared dancing ground at Igi, they have said it is me
On the cleared dancing ground at Babagi, they have said it is me
On the cleared dancing ground at Nedo, they have said it is me
On the cleared dancing ground at Gauwi, they have said it is me
On the cleared dancing ground at Gambolo, they have said it is me
For the Urubu bird (Lorikeet) the fruit of the Bara tree in Bai is bearing
The fruit of the Bara tree in Barabia is bearing
The fruit Bara tree in Tiyua is bearing
The frust of the Bara tree in Tamaru is bearing
For the Urubu bird has the fruit of the Habia tree is bearing, the tree has borne fruit down there
The fruit of the Bara tree (rutaceae evodiella) is bearing fruit, it has borne fruit down there
The Bai Mope and Bai Hinini birds have made a secret talk and will come back to pick the fruit.
The Urubu Gela and Urubu Hegele birds have made a secret talk and will come to pick the fruit
The Ndi Ndu bird (Swift) and the Ndi Ndalu bird have made a secret talk and will come to pick the fruit
The Bai Nana bird and Bai Hinana bird (Papuan King Parrot: alisterus chloropteris) have made a secret talk and will come to pick the fruit.
The Habia tree is bearing fruit
The Bara tree is bearing fruit
The Pandanus Tree is bearing fruit
The Lamba tree is bearing fruit.
(An extract from Talk Never Dies: An Analysis of Disputes Among the Huli. A thesis submitted by Laurence R. Goldman for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University College, London. February, 1982., p. 450.)