The birth of twins of opposite sex is not of frequent occurrence, but it is not considered wise to separate them throughout life. These marriages rarely result in issue, it is said by native authorities.1

Wilken would trace the practice back to a time when incest was prevalent, but the original concept may have had either one of two aspects—that the union of twins with others was dangerous, or that it was unsafe to separate what was joined together in nature.

2Hose, C.n/an/an/an/an/a, and W.McDougalln/an/an/an/an/a, , 2: 156.

3 Loeb, E. M., "Mentawei Social Organization," Amer. Anth., N.S., 30: 430–431.

4 Wilken, G. A., Verspreide Geschriften, 2: 334.

5 Moss, C. R., "Nabaloi Law and Custom," Univ. Calif. Publ. in Amer. Arehaeol. and Ethnol., 15: 239.

1 Pfoundes, C., "On Some Rites and Customs of Old Japan," Jour. Anth. Inst., 12: 224.