Voyages of the Dutch brig of war Dourga

by D. H. Kolff

As usual, the differences among the islanders were soon settled by me, and the event of this general reconciliation was celebrated by a great feast, at which they pledged themselves to continued friendship. The reconciliation between these people was conducted in a similar manner to that between children who have quarrelled. Having first asked permission to speak, they commenced blaming and accusing each other, after which they held out their right hands, and requested me to join them. This being performed they took a little siri from each other's boxes, when the ceremony of reconciliation was completed. The elders of the parties commenced, and they were followed by their juniors, but the women had nothing to do with the matter, being totally disregarded.

The siri boxes, which are in general use among these islanders, are made of plaited rushes, their length being five and their breadth four inches. They are carried behind them, stuck into the tjedako or waist-belt; and whenever two friends meet, the one takes some siri out of the box of the other.

Another custom obtains among these people, which bears a resemblance to the universal hospitality of the Arabs. Strangers, who may visit their island, or touch there during their voyages, are supplied with as many yams and cocoa-nuts as they can consume, without any remuneration being expected in return. On more than one occasion I had opportunities of being an eyewitness to these acts of hospitality. The Orang Kaya of Mowai, on the island of Moa, being unable to visit me during my stay on that island, came over to see me on Lakor in his jonko, which was hauled up on the beach, while he took up his residence in a cleft in the rocks. He had brought no provisions for himself or his people, and when I asked him how they would maintain themselves, he told me that he had no difficulty on that point, since he took what he required out of the plantations of the inhabitants, who would do the same when they visited him. The rice and other provisions which I gave him during his stay, were very thankfully received. On my demanding his reason for thus taking up his residence outside the village, he informed me that he was not on the best of terms with the people of Lakor, while at the same time he was acting up to an old usage, their attachment to which was proved by the fact of two Christians, who were of the party, refusing, as well as the others, to pass the night in the houses of their hosts.

Although there were only two Christian inhabitants on the island, these, like their neighbours of the same persuasion, distinguished themselves from the others by their mode of dress. The common costume is much the same throughout the group. That of the men consists of a badju or loose coat of calico, flowered or striped blue and red, with pantaloons and sarong of the same materials; while the women wear a badju, and a sarong or petticoat, the upper edge being carelessly twisted round the waist. The Mohammedans are distinguished from the others by a handkerchief on the head, arranged like a turban. The Christians, on the other hand, equally prize an European hat, those of the upper classes being distinguished by coats, breeches, shoes and stockings, after our fashion, while the Christians of the lower ranks, who wear the usual native dress, have their clothes dyed black, those of the heathens and Mohammedans being invariably of a lighter colour.

CHAPTER VIII.

LUAN.

Arrival at the Island Luan.—Dangerous Passage.—Our Reception by the People.—Commerce and Fisheries.—The Christians of Luan.—Their Customs and Dispositions.—Hospitality and Good Nature of the Inhabitants.—Hazardous Situation on leaving the Island.

After having thus completed our duties on Lakor in as short a time as possible, we pursued our voyage to Luan, and stood towards the reefs which enclose that island, with the view of passing over them. Here I had another opportunity of proving that implicit confidence was not to be placed in the pilot, who had assured me that he was well acquainted with the place; for, while standing towards the reefs under easy sail, our depth suddenly decreased to four fathoms, and the anchor, which was immediately let go, had scarcely touched the ground, when it was found that there were only sixteen feet water under the bows. Had it not been for our cautious mode of proceeding, the brig would assuredly have been run upon the rocks. Fortunately the wind was favourable, and the anchor was soon weighed again, when we stood out to sea. The boats were sent away to look out for a channel, but as none was discovered, I determined to stand off and on with the brig.

The island Luan, which is about fourteen miles in circumference, being high, is visible at a considerable distance. An extensive reef, studded with islets, surrounds it, within which there is a depth of two fathoms, affording good anchorage to small trading vessels. The islets to the north-east of Luan are about four miles distant from the main island. Close outside these the reef is steep to, so that they may be safely approached by a ship.

Luan is inhabited by from two hundred to three hundred families, who reside in villages placed very near to each other on the north-east side of the island, at the foot of the mountain. The adjacent islets are not peopled, but they are occasionally visited by the inhabitants of Luan, who have gardens on them, while they also afford a resting place to those engaged in the trepang fishery.