women are fond of loading their arms with ornaments of shell or brass
(Fig. 4) and one forearm is covered with separate rings of incised brass
wire which increase in size from the centre towards the ends, forming an
ornament in the shape of an hour-glass. Their hair is generally cut so
as to leave a narrow band in front; this is brushed back, but often
falls forward on the face or in front of the ears. Back of this the hair
is kept well oiled and is combed straight to the back of the head, where
it is tied in a knot. Into this knot is pushed a wooden comb decorated
with incised lines filled with lime, or inlaid with beads. On festive
occasions more elaborate combs, with plumes or other decorations
attached, are worn. Aside from these ornaments the head is uncovered.

FIG. 3. BRASS ANKLETS WORN BY THE WOMEN.

FIG. 4. TYPES OF BRASS BRACELETS.

Men and women are seen who have their eyebrows shaved to thin lines.
This is a matter of individual taste and is done only for beauty.

Neither sex makes use of tattooing, nor do they mutilate the lips or
nose, but what they lack in these respects they make up for in ear
ornaments.

When a child is very young a small hole is pierced in the ear lobes, and
into this opening a piece of twisted banana or hemp leaf is placed.
(Fig. 5a). This leaf acts as a spring, continually enlarging the opening
until the ear plugs can be inserted. Another method, sometimes employed,
is to fill the opening with small round sticks (Fig. 5b), adding more
from time to time, until the desired result is obtained. The plugs worn
by the women are of wood, the fronts of which are inlaid with silver or