152 



Art. VII. — A. Matsamura : 



It must, however, be noted that their seats are not indicated by 

 either chairs or mats, yet no disorder is in evidence when they 

 take their respective positions. Though the chiefs sit with an in- 

 terval between them of several metres in rare instances, tliey 

 confer with each other from their own seats or without coming 

 nearer for the purpose (Fig. 68). As stated in earher pages, a 

 small hole is bored ia the floor in front of each seat, so that the 

 chiefs who never cease chewing betel-nut may expectorate through 

 the opening. 



Such buildings are to be found, not only in New" Guinea, the 

 Solomon Islands, and New Hebrides, but also among the Malays 

 inhabiting Borneo and the Philippine Islands. They are also found 

 among the Naga, Garo and other tribes of India. The kong-kai^ 

 or club-houses of the aborigines in Formosa are buildings of 



Fig. 69. — Photographic reproiluctioii of a rubbing of the carving on a cross-beam of 

 a club-house, Koror, Palaii. Showing cock-fighting. 



the same nature. The size and form vary according to the 

 tribe and locality ; but they are usually larger than a dwelling- 

 house, and each village has at least one such building, called the 

 bachelors' house or men's house. It is chiefly intended for a 

 lodging-house or club for bachelors, though it serves also as the 

 council house or hotel for guests. In most cases, women are 



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