The state herald., 1912-10-11
PzlXzMH CzY-

qul volcano eastward to what is to-
day the Canal Zone, and the Cuna-
Cuna, on the opposite side OF the 18TH
mus.
Up In the forbidding mountains and
valleys that form background to the
landscape for the traveller on the
steamers plying between Panama and
David dwells the mass of the present
Guaymies, about 5000 in number, in
their homes scattered through savan-
mas and forests. From the time OF the
conquest to the beginning of the past
century, they have been more or less
under the influence of the Catholic
missionaries, but have since been left
to go back to most Of their ancient
customs and ways of living
Among the few vestiges left of that
transitory semi-civillzed condition un-
der religious discipline, perhaps the
most conspicuous is the flowing gown
OF the women. tight at the neck and
reaching down to the feet. In every
aboriginal tribe committed to their
guardianship the first care OF civiliza-
tions seems to have been to create
among those simple creatures not the
sense OF modesty which is innate
among them, but feeling OF shame OF
their physical beauty.
Unfortunate Women.
This is why In countries with a
constantly warm climate. and where
the rugged topography, the predom-
inence OF brush and the multiplicity
OF rivers make necessary only the
scantiest clothing, we often see the
poor females moving awkwardly in
their cumbrous imposed garments.
under which. however. they still bear
the primitive and more practical bark
skirt II Is true that when there Is
no stranger near the gown is mostly
discarded, and II a rain-shower sur
prises caravan on the trail the WON.
en- quickly strip. wrap their togs In
large Calathea or Heliconia leaf.
place the parcel in their load. and
then continue on their way.
The men do likewise. and besides
when they go on a hunting expedition
they invariably abandon their trousers
before starting on a run after some
wild animal. This practice has been
adopted by the other more civilized
natives In some parts, and sometimes
one discovers whole collection Of
blue trousers hanging on the lower
branches OF some tree at the opening
OF n forest path. In this case the
shirt that forms the only other part
OF the male wearing apparel is taken
of and tied around the lolns.
The Guaymies are usually not OF a
very prepossessing appearance. Their
stature is rather variable and their
bearing has not the stateliness that is
often noticed among other Indians
Among the men the face is seldom at.
tractiye. The lips are usually thick.
tho nose is fiat and broad. and tho
coarse black hair worn short
Among the women a few were met
with who were positively pretty and
ls Il necessary to say7-knew II. But
beauty Is not at prepium among the
Guaymi females. A woman ought first
TO bo strong. healthy. and n good
boast OF burden and day.worker. The
children especially the little girls. also
have frequently lovely faces. with n
warm brown. yelyoty skin and beauti
ful eyes when they reach the age
OF maturity their hair is cropped short
and not allowed TO grow again until
tho f,rst baby Is born. Maidonhood
however, Ia short stage OF life for
tho Guaymi women. who not infrc-
ouently become mothers before reach.
ing their twelfth year
Face painting In common prac'
tiee. restricted apparently neither by
age nor sex. although the women
adorn themselves thus only on grca,
occasions
Their dwellings arc located either
I'm the midst OF the forests Of the low
or belt. IN solitary oloarlngs far apart
or IN the high hayannss. In tho 1rn
Instance they are always at some dls
tanco from the sea. A. the Guaymlea
forced back into the mountains BY the
spanish invaders, hhye Ions since lost
the art Of navigation,
-As
~. A,.lbittoa