Part 80 - Monbas' precautions against Lobas near Dirang and Tse La

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SUMMARY:
The Monbas fear raids by Lobas from the Dirang district south of the Tse La, keeping their houses dark and secretly growing potatoes in the jungle to avoid theft. The Lobas reportedly visit the Monbas twice a year to exchange foodstuffs for salt and are expected in a few days.

CONTENT:
Ludlow p. 63

The Monbas are terribly afraid of the Lobas from the Dirang district south of the Tse La. They have windows in their houses but close them up. All is darkness within. They say if there was light the Lobas would be able to see their belongings & steal them. Again when we asked if they could supply us with potatoes they said they had none - but they grow their potatoes in secret places in the jungle for fear of the Lobas who would steal them if they were planted around their houses.

The Lobas appear to visit the Monbas twice a year to exchange foodstuffs for salt. They are due in a few days.