146 A NATUBALIST'S WANDEFJXGS 



The next lower rank consisted in tlic privilege of sittinp; 

 in the Balai on state oeeasious against a wooden pillar, called 

 the Sesalco. It entitled the rektives of its possessor to a sum 

 of blood-money less only than could be demanded by those of 

 members of the Order of the Pepadon, and a like proportionate 

 djudjur for his daughter's h^d. Should he be afterwards 

 elevated to the rank of the Pepadon, the Sesako was nailed 

 to the back of tlie Pepadon. 



The Lawang Koree^ ov '^honour-door," the thiud rank, was 

 a gateway of carved wood or stone which was erected near to 



the dwelling of the holder. 



On Avomen of ancient family and of high rank certain 

 honours were also bestowed. They were entitled to be borne 

 to the Balai on great occasions on a state car ; but the right to 

 be carried with the foot resting on the body of a man as a 

 footstool belonged to the most high-born alone. Women of 

 less distinguished birth could come walking on variously 

 adorned mats spread before them by their slaves- 



In a full assembly of the marga on a high occasion, the 

 foremost places are occupied by the Penyimbangs of various 

 orders. In a line fronting the Penyimbangs sit all the 

 hucljaiigs, or unmarried youths, facing a row of young 

 maidens. The sight is a gay one. All are in their best 

 attire, the general crowd in whatever garments please their 

 fancy most, but generally of the gayest colours of coats and 



headcloths, and sarongs suspended by large silver- and 

 gold-buckled belts, with ivory- and gold-handled krisses 

 stuck in the waist ; the women — for those that stand round 

 have all been married — more sombrely, wearing the matri- 

 monial symbol, the stiJung^ a necklet of massive gold or 

 silver rings strung immovably, except for a little piece in 

 front, on a cylinder of the same metal, and the thick 

 stud-like earrings, the only ornaments that their severe laws 

 permit to those who have known the bonds of wedlock. Here 

 and there among the crowd a crownless boat-shaped hat, made 

 of cardboard, and bound round with a gold plate, indicates that 

 its wearer is a childless wife. The young unmarried men are 

 simply attired in a sarong of a bright colour, supported by a 

 belt fastened by a buckle of greater or less value according to 

 his rank, with the corresponding number of krisses stuck in it, 



V 



