In This And Similar Sections In The Vicinity Of Bandjermasin It Is Noticeable That Malay Women And Girls Whiten Their Faces On Special Occasions, Doubtless In Imitation Of Chinese Custom.

The paint, called popor, is made from pulverised egg-shells mixed with water, and, for the finest quality, pigeons' egg-shells are utilised.

Where there is much foreign influence Dayak women have adopted this fashion for festal occasions. At harvest time, when both Dayak and Malay women wear their best garments, the faces of the women and the little girls are painted.

My expedition of three weeks had proved successful mainly on account of the unexpectedly well-preserved knowledge of decorative designs which I encountered among the Bukits. Otherwise they are slowly but surely yielding to the Malay influence to which they have been exposed for hundreds of years. Only the comparative inaccessibility of the country has prevented their complete absorption.

CHAPTER XXX

AN EXPEDITION TO THE KATINGAN RIVER - TATUING OF THE ENTIRE BODY - THE GATHERING OF HONEY - A PLEASANT INTERMEZZO - AN UNUSUALLY ARTISTIC PRODUCTION - UP THE SAMBA RIVER - WITH INCOMPETENT BOATMEN

Arrangements were at once begun for another expedition, this time to the west of Bandjermasin. I planned to ascend the Mendawei, or Katingan River, as it is also called, and, if circumstances permitted, cross over to the headwaters of the Sampit, returning by that stream. Through the kind efforts of the resident, Mr. H.J. Grijson, arrangements were made that would enable me to use the government's steam-launch Selatan as far up the river as it is navigable, to Kuala Samba, and in case necessity arose, to have it wait for my return.

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