In the Far East: A Narrative of Exploration and Adventure in Cochin-China, Cambodia, Laos, and SiamAdams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
History
In the Far East: A Narrative of Exploration and Adventure in Cochin-China, Cambodia, Laos, and Siam
Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
Indochina -- Description and travel
They are very careful in burying their dead; and a member of the family
of the deceased invariably visits the grave daily, to sow a few grains
of rice for his sustenance. Prior to any meal, they spill a little rice
for the same purpose; and similar offerings are made in the fields
and places which the dead were accustomed to visit. Plumes of reed
are attached to the top of a long bamboo, and lower down the stem are
fastened smaller bamboos containing a few drops of wine or water; and,
finally, on “a slight trellis-work raised above the ground” some earth
is laid, with an arrow planted in it, and a few grains of cooked rice,
a leaf, a little tobacco, and a bone spread about.
The Stiêns believe that animals have souls; that these wander about
after death; and that, therefore, it is necessary to propitiate
them, lest they should be troublesome and vexatious. Sacrifices are
accordingly offered, in proportion to the size and strength of the
animal; and the reader will conceive that in the case of an elephant
they are on a very grand scale. The North American Indian, it may be
remarked, cherishes a similar superstition in respect to the bear and
the buffalo.
~THEIR HUNTING WEAPONS.~
According to M. Mouhot, a Stiên is seldom seen without his cross-bow
in his hand, his knife slung over his shoulder, and a basket--for his
arrows, and the game they bring down--on his back. In the chase he
displays the most untiring energy, gliding through the woods “with
the speed of a deer.” In the use of the cross-bow practice brings
perfection. For the larger animals the arrows are steeped in a poison
which is described as being peculiarly rapid and fatal in its effects.
The Stiêns, let it be said in conclusion, are, like most savage races,
exceedingly partial to ornaments, and particularly to bracelets made of
bright-coloured beads. The men usually wear one above the elbow, and
one at the wrist; but the women load both arms and legs. Brass wire and
glass ornaments form their currency; a buffalo or an ox being valued
at six armfuls of thick brass wire, which is also about the price of a
pig. A pheasant, however, or a hundred ears of maize, may be procured
for a small piece of fine wire or a bead necklace.
Both men and women perforate their ears, widening the hole annually by
the insertion of plugs of bone or ivory fully three inches in length.
A plurality of wives is allowed to the chiefs and richer men of the
tribe; the poor are content with one wife, simply because they cannot
afford to maintain a harem.
* * * * *
~HUNTING THE TIGER.~
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account