OUTOFPAPUA database: Lexicons of the West Papuan language area

Entry record from de Clercq (1890): Ternate

Page number: 262

tuniru

•  to play; amuse oneself.spelen; zich vermaken.

tuniru salai

•  to exorcize spirits or raise spirits.geesten verdrijven of oproepen.

Note: The latter is done only during illness to either a person who can cure the sick or some medicine which will lead to recovery. Usually they are girls who sniff incense and other narcotics to become entranced and who while jumping and shouting say the desired name. Compare with Campen in Tijdschr. Batav. Gen., Vol XXVII, p. 440.