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The dwelling houses of the Munniporees are all of the same form, but those of the rich are larger, and constructed of better materials than those of the poor, that is, the posts and beams of the houses of the former are of wood, whilst those of the latter are of bamboo. The walls of both are of reeds plastered with a mixture of earth and cow dung, and the roofs of all are thatched with grass. All the dwelling houses face to the eastward, in which direction they have a large open Verandah. In this Verandah the family sits during the day, and in it all the work of the household is carried on, except cooking, which is performed inside; in the South side of the Verandah is the seat of honor. Here a mat or cloth is laid for the head of the family, upon which no one intrudes. Inside, the house is without partitions. The bed of the head of the family, is placed in what is called the Luplengka, close to the (21) wall on the South side about the middle. It is usually screened by mats. The daughters usually sleep on the North side. There are no windows in the houses, the only light admitted being by two doors, one opening into the open Verandah, the other to the North, near the northwestern corner of the house. The fire-place is on the floor towards the north-west corner. There is no chimney. The fuel used is generally dried reed jungle. This answers every purpose in the warm weather, but is a sorry substitute for wood in the colder months. |
