p8 Notes on the Karens. [No. 11, new series. 



of the Karens. In appearance they are a short, but well made 

 people. The colour of the skin a pale yellow, or what is called 

 6 bamboo ;' their average height about 5 feet 2 inches ; and those 

 who have mingled much with the Burmese are generally tattooed 

 from the waist to the knee. The dress for the men consists of a 

 coarse white cotton frock without sleeves called a " thin-deing," 

 the bottom of the frock which reaches the knee is adorned with 

 red stripes. The hair (which is worn long by all these races) is 

 twisted into a piece of white muslin ; the ears are perforated, and, 

 in default of gold or silver, are generally garnished with a flower. 

 In his hand the Karen carries a broad chopping knife for cutting 

 down trees ; over his shoulder is suspended a bag which contains 

 a change of clothes, his betel box and a few odds and ends ; and 

 on his back, fastened by straps something like a knapsack, is an 

 inverted conical basket called a " Now-Loway," which is of the 

 most expansive and accommodating dimensions', and affords stow- 

 age for -every imaginable article of baggage or plunder. 



The dress of the women consists of a blue petticoat, over which 

 is worn a blue <6 thin-deing" with a red border, and is usually 

 trimmed with coarse white bugles. On holidays a reddish colour- 

 ed head-dress with lappets is put on ; some bead necklaces, brass 

 or glass bracelets and anklets, complete their full dress toilette. 

 Those who are in better circumstances wear a kind of cylindrical 

 ear-ornament called a " Na-doung 5 " in the lobe of each ear, and 

 this is made of gold or silver. 



Men and women alike carry the " Now-Loway" basket ; and 

 the latter are apparently quite as strong and active as the men, 

 both are tremendous walkers ; in fact the mere exertion of walking 

 never tires a Karen. Over steep hills they will easily walk at the 

 rate of 30 miles a day. 



The women are not prepossessing in appearance ; their faces are 

 very broad, and, in consequence of their pedestrian habits, the leg 

 and ancle are clumsily large, more muscular than graceful. I regret 

 to add that both sexes are filthily dirty in their persons, and the 

 same dress is worn for months. Now and then there are rumours 

 of a bath having been indulged in, but the old clothes are always 

 resumed as long as they will hold together. During the rains how- 



