I GENERAL 13

with engraved circles and lines. The metal skewers are quite
plain and more for use in scratching the head than for ornament;
•a piece of the rib of a broken umbrella is now often used. The
hair comb is also an ornamental article ; it consists of a piece of
ivory or wood about three inches long, half an inch thick and
.an inch or so wide, into which are inserted, very close together,
teeth of strips of bamboo about two inches long. If the back is
of wood it is generally crescent-shaped and lacquered red and
inlaid.

With reference to the comb I may quote from Colonel
McCulloch's descriptions of the Thados in his " Account of the
Valley of Manipur ":—" Their attention to genealogy, the dis-
tinction of clans, and the respect paid to seniors, I have already
noticed. Out of this may have sprung the only exclusiveness
.shown by the Khonjai (Thado), namely, in the point of who
would be entitled to use his comb and whose comb he might
use. This, though amongst them a very important matter, I
•cannot find to have any religious importance attached to it,
but there is an indication of the superior rank in respect of
descent or by connection, or of estimation in which an indi-
vidual is held or holds himself to be found to whom he would
refuse his comb, or amongst whom his comb is common."
My Lushai informant says that the use of the comb is
restricted, as headaches are communicated by the comb. He also
•adds, " A higher clan man is contaminated by a lower clan man
using his comb. Thus a Renthlei may not use a Sailo's
hair comb, and a Chawrigthu may not use that of a
Pallian."

Earrings.—Most men have their ears pierced, and wear
either small wooden studs, with flat heads about half an inch
in diameter, and coloured red, or cornelians suspended by a
piece of string. The stones are barrel-shaped and unpolished,
the surface being pitted with minute holes and circular marks.
These are valued very highly, and are passed on from father to
son, or given as a daughter's dowry. Some of them have names
•connecting them with some story of bygone days. These
naturally fetch higher prices. I know of stones valued at
Es. 400/-.
Necklaces.—Both sexes are fond ->f necklaces; those of amber