Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/52

34 frightful mask, removing it occasionally with the unemployed hand.

Her partner was more simply dressed, but certainly not with equal modesty, for his body down to the waist was naked. His trousers were short, and faded in colour, and he wore a coloured kerchief on his head, which concealed all his hair—rolled like that of the woman in a knot behind. On rising to dance, he threw a sarong over his right shoulder, which partially concealed his body, giving him a style, as the capote does to the Matador.

I cannot say the combined performance of the company inspired us with the wish to applaud. The music was poor and unmelodious, and the dances very monotonous. It was, however, highly appreciated by their own countrymen and women, who clapped their hands, and made loud and hearty basoras, or cheers.

Jacatra is that part of the residency of Batavia