Papuanski dnevnik: Amulet

Tibor Sekelj u knjizi “Papuanski dnevnik” opisuje kako je otkupio ovaj amulet

“Kad smo se pripremili nastaviti put, u veliku otvorenu odaju na katu u kojoj smo sjedili ušao je jedan stariji domorodac. Donio je na prodaju amajliju od malog, duguljastog palminog oraha. Orah je bio izrezbaren karakterističnim šarama, a bio je sjajan od dugogodišnje upotrebe. Ovaj se predmet zove malupai i urođenik ga nosi oko vrata. Kad bi njegov vlasnik išao kroz šumu, osobito noću, ovaj bi amulet navodno zazviždao ako se vlasnik nađe u kakvoj opasnosti, kako bi ga upozorio. U takvoj prilici treba se uhvatiti za amulet. To će mu spasiti život, kažu. Otac Pierre dopustio je da ja otkupim ovaj zanimljiv predmet. Njegov je dotadašnji vlasnik bio tužan što se rastajao od svog vjernog čuvara. To je pokazao na vrlo dirljiv način. Kad je pogodba završena, uzeo mi je iz ruke malupai i protrljao ga sebi uz jednu stranu nosa i istim je predmetom pokazao da mu teku suze. Slične geste ponovio je i na drugoj strani.“

(Sekelj 2019: 26)

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In the “Papuan Diary,” Tibor Sekelj describes how he acquired this amulet

“When we were getting ready to continue our journey, an older native entered the large open room upstairs where we were sitting. He wanted to sell an amulet made from a small, elongated palm nut. The nut was carved with characteristic patterns, and it shone from years of use. This item is called a malupai, and the native wears it around his neck. When its owner walks through the forest, especially at night, this amulet supposedly whistles if the owner is in danger, warning him. In such a situation, one must hold onto the amulet. They say it will save his life. Father Pierre allowed me to purchase this intriguing object. Its former owner was sad to part with his faithful guardian, which he showed in a very moving way. When the transaction was completed, he took the malupai from my hand, rubbed it along one side of his nose, and indicated with it that he was shedding tears. He repeated similar gestures on the other side.”

(Sekelj 2019: 26).