The pagan tribes of Borneo - Get a Free Blog Here

SS PAGAN TRIBES OF BORNEO chap.
distinctly aquiline and well-formed noses. Amongst
all these peoples, especially the Kenyahs, Punans,
and Klemantans, there are to be seen a few individuals
of very regular well -shaped features of
European type.
Although as regards physical characters all these
peoples have much in common, yet each of them
presents peculiarities which are obvious to the eye
of an experienced observer, and enable him without
hesitation to assign to their proper groups the
majority of individuals ; and such recognition on
mere inspection is of course rendered easier by the
relatively slight peculiarities of dress and ornament
proper to each group.
The pure-bred Kenyah presents, perhaps, the
most clearly marked as well as the finest physical
type. His skin is the colour of rich cream with a
very small dash of coffee. The hair of his head
varies from slightly wavy to curly, and is never
very abundant or long in the men. The rest of
his body is almost free from hair, and what little
grows upon the face is carefully plucked out (not
leaving even the eyebrows and eyelashes). This
practice is common to all the peoples of the interior
except the Sea Dayaks. His stature is about
his weight about 136 pounds. His
1600 mm. ;
limbs are distinctly short in proportion to his body
his trunk is well developed and square, and both
limbs and trunk are well covered with rounded
muscles. His movements are quick and vigorous,
and he is hardy and capable of sustaining prolonged
toil and hardship. His head is moderately round
(Index 79), his face broad but well shaped.
expression of his face is bold and open.
The
The Kayan has a rather darker skin of a redder
tone. His legs are not so disproportionately short,
but in all other respects his body is less well proportioned,
graceful, and active than the Kenyah's.
;