88 AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 



Several objects, mostly ornaments, are grouped in the illustration form- 

 ing page 85. Fig. 1 is a palm leaf, used as a sleeping mat, and as a pro- 

 tection from sun and rain. Figs. 2 and 3 are waist-bands. Fig. 4 is a 

 fringe of cane leaves, attached to a stick. This is suspended from trees 

 where death has occurred. Fig. 5 is a sling for carrying infants. Figs. 6, 

 7, 8, 9 and 12 represent bands with bones, shells and fringes, worn around 

 the neck or arms by both sexes. Fig. 10 is a waist-belt made of the leaves 

 of the young screw pine {Pandanus andamanensium) , the bunch of leaves 

 being worn behind. This is the ornament that is supposed to have given 

 rise, in former times, to the idea that the natives had tails like horses. Fig. 

 11 is a waist-belt of shells {DentaUuvi odagoniim). Fig. 13 is a torch of 

 resin, wrapped in palm leaves, used when fishing, traveling or dancing by 

 night. Fig. 14 represents a sounding board or drum. It is supported at 

 an angle by a stick driven into the ground, as shown on page 89, and is 

 sounded by striking with the foot or a spear. 



On page 86 a group of household articles is depicted, such as bamboo 

 buckets, baskets, mats, tongs and other things. Many of the native baskets 

 are beautifully ornamented by weaving into them strands of an orchid root 

 (Dendrobium sp.). The root is split lengthwise, and the inner substance is 

 scraped away with a Cyrena shell. The skin is then cleaned and dried, 

 when it turns brilliant metallic yellow in color. 



The upper figure on page 89 shows the manner of capturing a turtle. 

 The spear used has a bamboo shaft 18 feet or more in length, and a long 

 stout line, to which is attached a barbed iron point. (See Fig. 2 on page 

 90). This point fits loosely into the end of the shaft. When the point 

 enters the turtle, the shaft separates from it and floats upon the water. The 

 man grasps the spear with both hands about midway of its length and 

 springs with it into the water, thus adding the force of his weight to that 

 of the blow. 



The Andamanese dance is illustrated in the lower figure on page 89. 

 The dance is usually accompanied by a song and chorus, the composer 

 acting as leader, and beating the sounding board or drum. Another view 

 of the drum is given in Fig. 14 on page 85. All join in the chorus, the 

 women marking the rhythm by clapping the hands or striking their crossed 

 legs. 



Some of the implements used in hunting and fishing are shown on page 

 90. The use of most of them is self-evident, but a few rec|uire special 

 mention. Fig. 2 is a turtle spear like that shown in use on page 89. The 

 arrows used in shooting the wild pig (Figs. 3 and 3a) are worthy of notice. 

 The iron point, with its barb, fits loosely into the hollow end of the shaft, 

 to which it is attached by a cord about eight inches in length. When the 



