390 
are called Cliagos; and as this tribe includes the bulk of the people, 
what may be said of them is applicable to the Malabars in general. 
They are well shaped, of a middle stature, and dark complexion: 
their dress is a cotton cloth, tied loosely round the waist, reaching 
below the knee; some wear a turban, others tie the hair on the 
back of the head, and throw a loose piece of muslin over it: but 
the brahmins are always distinguished by the sacred cord on the 
left shoulder. The dress of the Malabar women is similar to that 
of the other sex; their black glossy hair, tied in a knot on the 
middle of the head, is copiously anointed with cocoa-nut oil, and 
perfumed with the essence of sandal, mogrees, and champahs; 
their ears, loaded with rings and heavy jewels, reach almost to their 
shoulders; this is esteemed a beauty; instead of a small gold wire 
in the orifice, as is practised in other countries, the incision is filled 
with a filament from the cocoa-nut leaf, rolled around; the circles 
are increased, until the orifice sometimes exceeds two inches in 
diameter, the ear is then healed, and being stretched to the per- 
fection of beauty, is filled with rings and massy ornaments. Round 
the waist they wear a loose piece of muslin, while the bosom is 
entirely exposed: this is the only drapery of the Malabar women; 
but they are adorned with a profusion of gold and silver chains 
for necklaces, mixed with strings of Venetian and other gold 
coins; they have also heavy bangles, or bracelets: a silver box, sus- 
pended by a chain on one side, forms a principal ornament, and 
contains the areca, or betel-nut, with its appendages of chunam, 
spice, and betel-leaf. Their skin is softened by aromatic oils, 
especially among the Nairs and Tetees, who are peculiarly atten- 
tive to cleanliness in their persons. The Tetees are of the tribe of 
