1868.] Dwellings, works of art, laws, <tc. of the Karens. 129 



The Karens attach a fabulous value to these instruments, and often 

 pay absurd prices for those that have good tones. They have dis- 

 tinctive names for ten different kinds, which they pretend to distinguish 

 by the sound, the poorest of which sells for one hundred rupees, and 

 the best for a thousand. Besides these, there are several inferior kinds 

 with prices varying from thirty to one hundred rupees. When a good 

 kyee-zee is struck, the Karens say the music softens the heart, and the 

 women weep for the friends they have lost, or from whom they are 

 separated. 



The possession of kyee-zees is what constitutes a rich Karen. No 

 one is considered rich without them, whatever may be his other pos- 

 sessions. Every one who has money, endeavours to turn it into kyee- 

 zees, and a village that has many of them is the envy of other villages, 

 and is often the cause of wars to obtain possession of them. 

 Domestic Animals. 



54. The only quadrupeds, entitled to be considered domestic animals 

 among the Karens, are hogs and dogs. The hog is the small Chinese 

 variety, and is very extensively raised, both for food and for sale. It 

 is used in all their offerings as most acceptable to the unseen spirits ; 

 and no idea of uncleanness is attached to it, any more than to the ox, 

 the buffalo, or the goat. They are exclusively in charge of the women, 

 and each hog distinguishes the voice of his mistress, though a dozen 

 be calling at the same time, with unerring accuracy, and runs to her 

 with greatest alacrity for the food he expects at her hands. 



A few solitary oxen and buffaloes are occasionally seen, purchased 

 from the Shans or Burmese, but they cannot be regarded as Karen 

 domestic animals, any more than the elephant which is met with here 

 and there. The Pakus and Mannepghas raise a few goats, and the 

 Red Karens ponies, as well as oxen quite extensively ; but these are 

 local and exceptinal. 



Dogs are found everywhere, and are eaten by the Bghais as readily 

 as by the Chinese, but not by the southern Karen tribes. The pariah 

 is the most common variety, but the Karens raise also a small dog 

 allied to the smooth-haired terrier, which they use for hunting. It is 

 not abundant, but is highly valued, the price of a good one being 

 equal to that of an ordinary pony or buffalo. Deer, it is said, are so 

 afraid of them, that they lose strength when they find one of these 



