Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 8.djvu/226

 BAWEEANS. (459)

HE Baweeans are natives of an island on the north coast of Java, callad Palo Baweean. In their own country they are cultivators of the soil, are fishermen, and carry on a small trade; but they are fond of migrating to adjacent countries in search of employment and wages. The annual arrivals of Baweeans in Singapoor averages 1,000, and they readily find employment as coolies, grooms, and drivers. Like the Chinese, the Baweean women are not allowed to leave their own country. They are professedly Mahomedans, but know little of the principles of their religion. They are a timid, peaceable, and industrious race, among whom serious crimes are of very rare occurrence. Their diet is rice, salt fish, and vegetables, and few of them will touch animal food. They are frugal and careful, and after three or more years return with their savings, leaving home again perhaps four or five times, until they attain an age of from forty to fifty years, when they settle in their own island. Complexion dark brown, from constant exposure; eyes black. Height of figures in the picture five feet four inches to five feet six inches. Those with sticks in their hands are mandores or head men.—Offical Report.