Unconscious of evil, the women dispose their skirts in such
fashion that their splendid upper bodies are entirely uncovered. Composed
of one piece of cloth, the garment, which reaches a little below the knee
and closes in the back, passes just over the hips, is, as civilised people
would say, daringly low. It is said that the most beautiful muscles of the
human body are those of the waist, and among these natives one may observe
what beauty there is in the abdomen of a well-formed young person.
It is an undeniable fact that white men and women compare unfavourably
with native races as regards healthful appearance, dignity, and grace of
bearing. We see otherwise admirable young persons who walk with drooping
shoulders and awkward movements. Coming back to civilisation with fresh
impressions of the people of nature, not a few of the so-called superior
race appear as caricatures, in elaborate and complicated clothing, with
scant attention to poise and graceful carriage. One does not expect ladies
and gentlemen to appear in public in "the altogether," but humanity will
be better off when healthful physical development and education of the
intellect receive equal attention, thus enabling man to appear at his
best.
CHAPTER XXVIII
AN EARTHQUAKE - ERADICATING THE PLAGUE - THROUGH THE COUNTRY NORTHEAST OF
BANDJERMASIN - MARTAPURA AND ITS DIAMOND-FIELDS - PENGARON - THE GIANT
PIG - THE BUKITS - WELL-PRESERVED DECORATIVE DESIGNS - AN ATTRACTIVE FAMILY
I decided to travel more in Borneo, but before undertaking this it was
necessary for several reasons to go to Java.
