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physical description of Angamis; hair-style |
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The average height of the Angamis is 5 feet 9 inches (some attaining a height of 6 feet) and they are well and powerfully built, the leg muscles being especially well developed. Their features are small and cheek bones high. Their complexion comprises various shades of rich brown, but is seldom very dark. Their hair is cut short or shaved ( with the exception of one long tuft from the crown) in youth or before marriage; in adolescence it is left about 3 inches long and brushes down all round, resembling the fashion in the middle ages. The long tuft is left at the back, and is generally worn tied in a knot ( a chignon) bound round with long rolls of snow-white cotton wool. When a man marries it is the custom in some villages for him to part his hair in the middle and brush it up in front. This is not an invariable custom, but every village almost differs from its neighbours in some slight detail of dress or decoration. |
