Maurice Vidal Portman
1890s
Andamanese parting. Two adult male demonstrating the shaking of hands when parting. They are both wearing neck and waist-ornament; the man on the right is also wearing arm and wrist-ornament.

Photograph
British Museum
© The Trustees of the British Museum, AN44135001
 
Inscription Content: When parting, there is no crying, but the two parties take each other's right hands, and, in turn, each blows on the hand of the other. They can give no reason for this, except that of custom. After this, as they move away, sentences are exchanged, such as "I am going to my country", "Do not quarrel with anyone", "May no snake bite you", the complimentary answer to which is, "May no centipede bite you", then I will take good care", messages etc., are shouted, and the parting thus takes some time. Judging from Leech's caricatures, similar partings are not unknown in England.
 
LL/49895