Tounghoo Women by Ellen B. Mason — Read

One day the Woonkadau came, with her suite, to pay respects. This Tounghoo lady was some sixty years of age--her silvery white hairs combed smoothly up from an ample forehead, her black eyes keenly glancing beneath highly arched brows--her fingers gemmed with the nine magic stones of Burmah--her almost white feet slipped loosely into light scarlet sandals--her person attired in a beautiful silk robe of modest pink and white checks, but open in front after the Burman fashion, with a wide crimson cincture around the bust. Over this a delicate lawn inga, or jacket, open, with long floating lappets on either side; and above all, gracefully flowing over the left shoulder, a richly wrought white lace mantle. Imagine such a figure, and you have before you a Woonkadau of Tounghoo, or former governor's favorite wife, as she appeared when she paid me a visit, with her suite, soon after my arrival.

There were seven or eight ladies in her train, all with the hair exquisitely dressed, straight over the forehead, with a curious half curl, the smallest in the world, caressing each side, and the large knot behind encircled with orchids, or fragrant screw-pine. The screw-pine is really fascinating; indeed, I believe it is the very prettiest head-dress in Burmah. Screw-pine flowers somewhat resemble corn flowers in the sheath, and are deliciously fragrant. They are often a cubit in length, and as large as the largest ear of corn, but small ones are chosen for the hair. The flower and sheath are both a light straw color; and the sheath, or a part of it, is neatly separated into threads, so put on as to fall gracefully back over the knot, with the flower and half sheath fastened underneath, altogether composing a chaplet really charming for its elegant simplicity.