ABSTRACT
In native terminology, the realm of the magical is called by the word megwa, which describes the 'magical performance', the 'spell', the 'force' or 'virtue' of magic, and can be used as adjective to describe in general everything which presents a magical character. The associated concept of taboo is covered by the Kiriwinian word bomala. It means a 'prohibition', something which a man is not allowed to do under any circumstances. It is used for magical taboos, for prohibitions associated with rank, for restrictions in regard to foud generally considered as unclean, as, for example, the flesh of lizards, snakes, dogs and man. Among the specific taboos of the Kula, called bomala lilava, there is a strict rule referring to the entering of a canoe. The myths of the Kula are scattered along a section of the present Kula circuit.
