Where there is much
foreign influence Dayak women have adopted this fashion for festal
occasions. At harvest time, when both Dayak and Malay women wear their
best garments, the faces of the women and the little girls are painted.
My expedition of three weeks had proved successful mainly on account of
the unexpectedly well-preserved knowledge of decorative designs which I
encountered among the Bukits. Otherwise they are slowly but surely
yielding to the Malay influence to which they have been exposed for
hundreds of years. Only the comparative inaccessibility of the country has
prevented their complete absorption.
CHAPTER XXX
AN EXPEDITION TO THE KATINGAN RIVER - TATUING OF THE ENTIRE BODY - THE
GATHERING OF HONEY - A PLEASANT INTERMEZZO - AN UNUSUALLY ARTISTIC
PRODUCTION - UP THE SAMBA RIVER - WITH INCOMPETENT BOATMEN
Arrangements were at once begun for another expedition, this time to the
west of Bandjermasin. I planned to ascend the Mendawei, or Katingan River,
as it is also called, and, if circumstances permitted, cross over to the
headwaters of the Sampit, returning by that stream. Through the kind
efforts of the resident, Mr. H.J. Grijson, arrangements were made that
would enable me to use the government's steam-launch Selatan as far up
the river as it is navigable, to Kuala Samba, and in case necessity arose,
to have it wait for my return.
