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74 BIRMAH.
of interment, and on the sod which covers them is
laid a wooden image of the deceased. They believe
that their deity resides on the great mountain Gnowa,
which the Birmans have never yet invaded. When a
Kayn dies within the jurisdiction of the Birmans, the
relations of the deceased always convey the urn and
image of the departed person to this mountain, there
to be deposited in the sacred earth. These people
have no letters, nor any law except custom, to which
the Birmans leave them, never interfering in their
municipal or social economy. The females of this
tribe have their faces tattoed all over in lines, mostly
describing segments of circles, which give them a most
extraordinary and hideous appearance."*
The Carayns, Karaian, or Carianers, are another
singular people. They are supposed to be originally
from the province of Yun-nan, but are now widely
scattered over the empire. Col. Symes, on the autho-
rity of a respectable Italian missionary, represents
them as " a simple, innocent race, speaking a language
distinct from that of the Birmans, and entertaining
rude notions of religion. They lead quite a pastoral
life, and are the most industrious subjects of the state.
Agriculture, the care of cattle, and rearing poultry,
are almost their only occupations. A great part of the
provisions used in the country is raised by the Carian-
ers; and they particularly excel in gardening." Dr.
Buchanan adds, that they have sufficient knowledge
of the useful arts to manufacture comfortable, and
even handsome clothing, f They are a peaceable people,
disinclined to war, and it is universally agreed, that
* Symes, Buchanan, &c. in Hamilton's Gazetteer.
t Col. Francklin, speaking of the Binnans generally, says, " To
their women alone must be ascribed the merit of weaving and dyeing."
Col. Symes, on visiting the queen mother, saw the females
in the palace busily engaged at the loom.