three broad bands of red, blue, and white. Those who
can afford it wear a handkerchief on the head, which
is either red, witli
a narrow border of
gold lace, or of three
colours, like the
“chawat.” The large
flat moon - shaped
brass earrings, the
heavy necklace of
white or black beads,
rows of brass rings
on the arms and
legs, and armlets of
white shell, all serve
to relieve and set
off the pure reddish
brown skin and jet-
black hair. Add to
this the little pouch
P O R TR A IT O F D Y A K YOUTH. . . . , containing materials
for betel - chewing,
and a long slender knife, both invariably worn at the
side, and you have the every-day dress of the young Dyak
gentleman.
The “ Orang Kaya,” or rich man, as the chief of the tribe
is called, now came in with several of the older men ; and
the “ bitchara ” or talk commenced, about getting a boat and
men to take me on the next morning. As I could not
understand a word of their language, which is very different
from Malay, I took no part in the proceedings, but was
represented by my boy Bujon, who translated to me most
of what was said. A Chinese trader was in the house,
and he, too, wanted men the next day; but on his hinting
this to the Orang Kaya, he was sternly told that a white
man’s business was now being discussed, and he must wait
another day before his could be thought,about.
After the “ bitchara ” was over and the old chiefs gone,
1 asked the young men to play or dance, or amuse themselves
in their accustomed way; and after some little hesitation
they agreed to do so. They first had a trial of
strength, two boys sitting opposite each other, foot being
placed against foot, and a stout stick grasped by both their
hands. Each then tried to throw himself back, so as to
raise his adversary up from the ground, either by main
strength or by a sudden effort. Then one of the men
would try his strength against two or three of the boys;
and afterwards they each grasped their own ankle with a
hand, and while one stood as firm as he could, the other
swung himself round on one.leg, so as to strike the other’s
free leg, and try to overthrow him. When these games had
been played all round with varying success, we had a