I have seen nearly a dozen on each
wrist.
The little boys wear gold or silver bracelets; also gold or silver
anklets. I just alluded to finger-rings. I have seen a dozen on the same
hand. In this part of the country, the little opening which is made in
the ears of the children is gradually distended until it becomes very
large. At first, the opening is only large enough to admit a wire. After
this has been worn for a short time, a knife is introduced into the ear
in the direction of the opening, and an incision made large enough to
admit a little cotton. This is succeeded by a roll of oiled cloth, and
by a peculiar shrub, the English name of which, if it has any, I do not
know. When the hole becomes sufficiently large, a heavy ring of lead,
about an inch in diameter, is introduced. This soon increases the size
of the opening to such an extent, that a second, and afterwards a third,
a fourth, and a fifth ring are added. By these weights, the lower parts
of the ear are drawn down sometimes very nearly, or quite to the
shoulders. Not unfrequently the little girls, when they run, are obliged
to catch hold of these rings to prevent the injury which they would
receive by their striking against their necks.
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