Page:Siam and Laos, as seen by our American missionaries (1884).pdf/430

 laces, together with curious gold and silver trees valued at from 15l. to 135l. each.

The rulers of these provinces are called khiao, and they are invested with their office by the use of a gold dish, betel-box, spittoon and teapot, all of which are sent from Bangkok for the occasion, and returned thither when they die or are deposed from the throne.

The picture on the opposite page represents the coronation of the khiao of one of the most important of the Laos provinces in the East. The ceremony is thus described:

"On the morning of the appointed day there was an uproar of drums and gongs and other un-*musical instruments. The noisy orchestra surrounded the palace, while the royal procession wound through the streets and defiled into the square or market-place. Mounted upon an elephant of great size, which was armed with a pair of formidable tusks, the king made his appearance, encircled by guards on foot and on horse-*back and attended by his great dignitaries mounted like himself. A train of smaller elephants followed carrying the court ladies. The cortège finally directed its course to some spacious pavilions erected for the purpose, where the bonzes of the royal pagoda were offering up their prayers. A few minutes passed, and another tableau was presented. The king was seen enthroned in the largest pavilion. He arose, and,