KHUMIA (CHOOMEEAS).
Locality.—The same mountains as the Kuki, only on a lower level. The word means villagers, Khúm=village.
The Naga, Kuki, and Khumia, are tribes of one family. Their ethnographical position is certain. They have long been known to be part of Rhukheng division of the Burmese tribes, speaking the same language with the inhabitants of Arakan, and connecting themselves with that people in their traditions respecting their own origin.
I may also add that the similarity of manners between them and the Garo is very manifest.
KHYEN.
Locality.—The Yuma mountains between Ava and Arakan. Independent Pagans.
Name.—Burmese. Native name Koloun. Buchanan, in Asiatic Researches, vol. v.
Authority.—Lieutenant Trant in Asiatic Researches, vol. xvi.
The faces of the Khyen women are tattooed. That the following reason, however, for the practice is valid, is more than I will venture to vouch.
One of the forms of tribute to one of the conquerors of the Khyens, was the payment of a certain number of the most beautiful women of the country. In order to do away with the danger to which their unmutilated charms exposed them, the whole generation tattooed themselves; and their descendants have done so since.