THE SAROiVO AND KABIA. 
51 
amples of the skirt, some almost cloth -of 'gold 
from the quantity of it inwoven, while others 
were curious specimens of patterns of native 
fancy. I saw for the first time a fashion of 
belt worn by some to support the skirt instead 
of the usual sash : it is of pure beaten gold of 
native workmanship, richly chased all * round, 
though only the clasp is ever seen on a chance 
opening of the jacket. There was also one of 
silver, less elaborate. These belts are highly 
valued, and handed down as heir- looms. I 
also learnt that there is considerable art in the 
proper arrangement of the sarong. On each of 
the poorest as well as of the richest make there 
is a strip called the kapala, which must fall 
straight down the left leg just on the top of 
the fold containing the fulness. It is part of 
the costume to wear a medallion or pretty orna- 
ment on a necklace amongst the lace of the neck 
of the kabia, which is made slightly open for the 
purpose, while jewelled studs are worn to fasten 
it instead of buttons. 
As soon as it was cool enough we walked out, 
and found Cupang a bright, clean, neatly laid- 
out town, situated at the base of abrupt hills. 
It has a considerable Dutch population, living 
in pretty substantial houses, embowered in 
