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preparing for the head receiving ceremony: grooming, de-lousing, dressing |
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In the village one hardly notices that today a feast is to be held. Some men are sitting in and in front of the morungs but that is a customary sight here in Shiong (14) as the male part of the population never seems to over-exert themselves with work. Ahon is sitting on the platform next to his house and he is occupied with plaiting the bamboo ball which will serve as a substitute for the head. In the mean time I walk through the village and everywhere I see girls, and women who are combing their hair or are picking each others lice. As work in the fields is genna today they are free to do so. |
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In the meantime more men have gathered in front of the Longokoa morung and are now grooming themselves. Some have put on European garments of dubious origin under their beautifully embroidered sashes from which the small flat baskets are suspended and they look grotesque and ugly compared to the splendidly nude bodies of their friends who are less blessed with material goods. But they easily agree to take off these clothes which pleases me for my photographs |
