In Their
Houses, As In Their Faces, The Ainos Are More European Than Their
Conquerors, As They Possess Doorways, Windows, Central Fireplaces,
Like Those Of The Highlanders Of Scotland, And Raised Sleeping-
Places.
The usual appearance is that of a small house built on at the end
of a larger one.
The small house is the vestibule or ante-room,
and is entered by a low doorway screened by a heavy mat of reeds.
It contains the large wooden mortar and pestle with two ends, used
for pounding millet, a wooden receptacle for millet, nets or
hunting gear, and some bundles of reeds for repairing roof or
walls. This room never contains a window. From it the large room
is entered by a doorway, over which a heavy reed-mat, bound with
hide, invariably hangs. This room in Benri's case is 35 feet long
by 25 feet broad, another is 45 feet square, the smallest measures
20 feet by 15. On entering, one is much impressed by the great
height and steepness of the roof, altogether out of proportion to
the height of the walls.
The frame of the house is of posts, 4 feet 10 inches high, placed 4
feet apart, and sloping slightly inwards. The height of the walls
is apparently regulated by that of the reeds, of which only one
length is used, and which never exceed 4 feet 10 inches. The posts
are scooped at the top, and heavy poles, resting on the scoops, are
laid along them to form the top of the wall.
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