CHAPTER XIV.

THE TENIMBER ISLANDS.

Visit to Watidal.—Respect shown to the Dutch Flag.—The English supposed by the Natives to beOrang-gunung, or Mountaineers.—The Prosperity of the People inseparable from the Rule of the Dutch over these Countries.—Traces of the Christian Religion having formerly obtained here.—Departure from Larrat to Vordate.—Allurements of the latter Island.—The Inhabitants of the Tenimber Islands.—Their Manners and Customs.—Mode of Warfare.—Striking Proofs of their Attachment to the Dutch Government.

TheEnglish, during their short possession of the Moluccas, sent a British flag to the people of Watidal, who had preserved it well, but without making any use of it. When I demanded the reason of this, I was answered that they plainly perceived that this was not a Company's flag, and that they would not recognize any other nation than the Dutch as their allies. Their ideasof the different European nations are very singular. From their questions, it appeared that they considered theOrang Compania(the Dutch) only as true white people, and that they were unacquainted with other Europeans. They asked me if the English were not the inland mountaineers, orOrang Gunung, like the inhabitants of Timor-laut, and other barbarous people.

The natives call themselves "Anak Compania," literally, Children of the Company; and they often expressed to me their surprise at the difficulties the traders who arrived at the island, threw in their way to prevent them from visiting Banda. They also expressed themselves much discontented at the arbitrary mode of trading adopted by the native merchants from Banda, which had often necessitated them to be their own judges, as they dared not nourish a hope that the Dutch would again visit and defend them. This state of affairs caused them to retrograde in point of civilization, as by continually taking revenge for offences committed against them, they themselves have become wild and rapacious, so much so that the Tenimber islanders are in bad repute among their neighbours, being considered as dangerous characters. They absolutelyprohibited the Macassar traders from coming to the islands, because the numbers in which these arrived gave rise to a fear on the part of the inhabitants, that the traders would bring them under their power, and treat them in an arbitrary manner, which, as they said, took place too often already. It will readily be supposed, that it cost me much time and trouble to induce the natives to renew their intercourse with these people, and at the same time it will be perceived how much extortion these simple, though numerous, islanders have been subjected to since they lost the protection of the Dutch Government.

A Dutch garrison in these islands, although giving rise to an increased government expenditure, would contribute greatly to extend the trade of the Moluccas, and at the same time effect a humane object; for, owing to the want of Dutch protection, the inhabitants of the Tenimber Islands will be led to follow the example set them by their rapacious visitors. Their desire to be governed by representatives of our Government, is as great as that of the natives of the other islands, and they would willingly afford them the necessary maintenance and shelter.

I could not discover precisely at what period the Christian religion obtained in these islands; but from having found some old Bibles among them, coupled with other circumstances, I was convinced that it had existed at some earlier period. I did not meet with an idol in any of their villages. When saying their prayers they look up towards heaven, in acknowledgment of a Supreme Being; but, as is usual among uncivilized people, their religious ideas are coupled with the wildest superstition. They are by no means averse to our religion, but, on the contrary, express their willingness to adopt it. The firm resistance they have made to the endeavours of the Mohammedan priests to convert them is very praise-worthy, these never meeting with the least success in their exertions. The people of Tenimber could never, I think, be prevailed on to abstain from pork and spirituous liquors, and it is possible that this is one of the reasons for their aversion to Islamism.

It soon came to my knowledge, that some serious differences had occurred between some of the villages on Vordate, which had already caused an appeal to arms. This spread general dejection among the natives, as it entirely put a stopto the trepang fishery, the chief source of their prosperity.

I used my utmost endeavours to induce some of the natives to visit Timor-laut, in order to apprise the natives of my arrival, and, if possible, to free the two English youths who had been saved from the brig, the loss of which I have previously mentioned, but without success. It appeared that they were at war with the people of Timor-laut, and considered their force too small to afford hope of success: this reason appeared to me so conclusive, that I could not urge them farther. To proceed directly thither in person would not only be acting against my instructions, but the smallness of the force at my disposal rendered such a proceeding very unadvisable. Neither could the boats attached to the brig, be of the least service in such an expedition.

After having been employed the entire day, according to my instructions, in attending to the affairs of the natives, the squally appearance of the sky in the evening, made me determine to return to the brig, leaving my clerk and the interpreters to obtain further information. I had scarcely got on board when a heavy squall from the land broughtour bower-anchor home. The brig swung off, and hung by the kedge; but this also broke before the bower-anchor had been hove up, and, as we drifted off the bank immediately, it became necessary to get the brig under sail. I therefore made a signal for those on shore, who returned immediately; and as this was evidently an unfit place for the brig to remain in, while it was still more unadvisable to stand off and on, from the probability that existed of our being set on the reefs, I stood at once towards Vordate, which we had previously passed by owing to the assertions of our pilot, hoping we might find good shelter there.

Early on the following morning we found ourselves close under the shore of that island, when the boats were sent away to find anchorage; and I was soon rejoiced by seeing the signal made which had been determined on, in the event of their search being successful. I now chose our anchorage close to the reef, and carried a cable on shore, which was made fast to the trees on the middle of the bank. The bower-anchor lay in thirty fathoms sand, while the brig was not more than three quarters of a cable's length from the reef; rather too little room, perhaps, but the situationdid not appear to me as being dangerous, as the wind always blows steadily off shore, and there was not sufficient current to swing the brig on to the reef. A considerable period elapsed, however, before we could bring the brig up, as the sand proved to be bad holding-ground. The anchor dragged twice, and it was not until the third attempt, when a warp had been carried on shore, that we succeeded in making all fast. Several vessels, containing some of the principal inhabitants, came rowing round the ship, on which I invited them on board, and, receiving them with all possible friendship, cursorily acquainted them with the object of my visit.

When seen from this side, the island appears hilly. The frontage is covered with vegetation, and bears the appearance of possessing uncommon fertility. Even the sides of the high hills were laid out in beautiful gardens, the groves of cocoa-nut, and other large trees that separated them, between which might often be perceived the dwellings of the cultivators, presenting an agreeable variety to the prospect. The splendid landscape that opened before us, the majesty of the forest-crowned hills, the picturesque beauty of the entire tract of country,and the luxuriant growth of the vegetation, altogether offered too striking a view for my feeble pen to describe.

The north-east side of the island is uninhabited. On the north-west side lie the villages of Sebiano and Adodo; while the south coast is occupied by the villages of Ameer, Ewena and Romian. The only anchorage is on the north-west side of the island, every other part being surrounded by reefs, through which it is difficult to pass even with boats at low water.

The inhabitants of the various islands of the Tenimber group bear much resemblance to each other, in language, customs and other particulars. They are usually well formed, and possess a fairer complexion than most of their neighbours, while their features display few of the characteristics of the inhabitants of the Indian Archipelago generally, being more in accordance with those of Europeans, to whom they would bear much resemblance were it not for the dark colour of their complexion. In point of stature the women are superior to those of the neighbouring island; the young ones especially, are uncommonly handsome, their beauty being much increased by their simple mode ofdress instead of by fashionable attire, their costume consisting only of a small piece of blue cloth worn round the waist. Men as well as women wear several ornaments, such as gold and silver rings, of their own manufacture, suspended from their ears, each of which is pierced with several holes. The women are very partial to necklaces and bracelets of small red beads, which, indeed, add much to their graceful appearance.

The heaviest portion of the labour is performed by the women, the men devoting themselves to warlike pursuits, the chase, the fishery and commerce. Early in the morning the young unmanned women, under the escort of three or four armed men, depart for the plantations in the interior, and at sunset in the evening they may be seen returning, laden with the produce of their labour, which they bear in baskets upon the head. The married and elderly women, usually remain at home, where they employ themselves in household affairs, tending the stock, and preparing the meals. On the marriage of a young woman, she adorns her ankles with one or two copper rings, which make a ringing noise at every step, by no means disagreeable to the ear. These singular ornaments give them apeculiar halting gait, the rings being from two and a half to three pounds weight.[37]Some are carved with various figures.

The natives of the lower class usually go entirely naked, only the chiefs and heads of families, with those who have visited foreign parts, wearing any clothing.

Their warlike equipment is very singular. Like the Ceramese, and other Indian nations, they have their warriors or champions, who, when preparing for war, anoint their heads abundantly with cocoa-nut oil, and mix large bunches of loose hair with their own, which they raise up in a towering manner by means of a large bamboo comb, adorned with cock's feathers of various colours, to give them a fear-inspiring appearance. Their hair is also confined by bands of coloured cloth, studded with red beads, and ornamented with hanging shells. Round the middle they wear a piece of dried buffalo's hide by way of armour, to which is suspended their knife and theirklewangor cutlass. Large golden rings are attached to the ears; the neck is protected by a thickcollar, studded with white shells; the costume of the warrior being completed by bands of ivory, worked over with beads, worn on the arms.

When they go to war with their neighbours all other occupations are neglected, and they employ themselves in wandering through the forest, watching for opportunities to carry off the enemy's women. Occasionally the warriors call each other out, when a skirmish takes place; but their warlike propensities are chiefly exercised in plundering, and in waylaying the enemy when employed in his plantations or at the fishery, but never coming to a regular open fight. Moresagoweer, or palm wine, is drank at this time than at any other, the cocoa-nut trees being put to no other use than to supply the ingredients. Before the tree bears fruit the blossom is enclosed in a case, the bottom of which is cut every day, and an earthern pot, or a piece of hollow bamboo, placed under to catch the sap, which, when fermented, acquires an intoxicating power.

As on the islands visited during the previous part of the voyage, there existed here differences, and wars arising from insignificant causes, enduring for years, and never adjusted except by theaccidental mediation of traders or others from the neighbouring countries. Pride, jealousy and exasperation prevent either party from taking the first step towards reconciliation. Several examples of this will be given in the ensuing pages.

Until late in the evening the arrival and departure of natives from the shore never ceased. I sent my interpreters on shore to make known the object of my visit in the various villages, and to call the chiefs together to a general meeting. On the following morning one of the boats, armed with two one-pounder guns, was sent in advance to the village of Aweer, on the south-west point of the island, and I followed soon after in another boat, accompanied by the gentlemen attached to the commission. On stepping ashore we were saluted by a salvo from the guns of the boat sent in advance, and were received with friendship by a large concourse of natives clad in their war dresses. We first entered the village of Aweer, where women and children, as well as men, assembled around us, which, as I have previously remarked, always affords an undoubted proof of friendship and confidence on the part of the natives. We were much struck by theneatness of this village, and the large amount of its population. We perceived no less than a hundred handsome huts, built in the manner previously described.

The curiosity of the natives was very great, which is not very surprising when it is considered that we were probably the first Europeans they had ever seen. They could scarcely be satisfied with narrowly viewing us on all sides. The Orang Kaya of Aweer, a very well-mannered young man, welcomed us with many expressions of friendship; and his handsome young wife, to whom he had lately been married, kindly tendered us somesagoweerandtuak, or palm-wine.

From here I proceeded to the village Ewena, where we were also received with much courtesy. This is the centre one of the three villages which lie on this side of the island, and the least populous. Romian, the third, is situated farther to the eastward, none of them being more than a musket-shot apart. The latter village is equal to Aweer in point of population.

This day having been fixed on for a preliminary meeting of the chiefs, at which we might learn something of their social state, I was unable totarry long at either of the villages. In passing I charged the chiefs to bring all their wars and contentions to an end, and announced to them that I should enquire into the causes of their differences, and make an equitable adjustment of them.

When I desired to proceed to Romian, they wished to restrain me, stating that they would be apprehensive for my safety, as the people of Romian from jealousy at my having previously visited the other villages, would probably make an attack on me.[38]Even the interpreters were afraid to go there, until something more had been learned concerning them. As I was aware, however, of the high respect with which the natives in general view the Company, whom they regard as their benefactors and allies, I went confidently towards the people drawn up under arms, accompanied only by two unarmed seamen waving the Dutch flag in front, a proceeding which the assembled multitude witnessed with astonishment and alarm, not being able to conceive how I dared to undertake it,without previously obtaining hostages for my safety.

As I had expected, I was received with frankness and enthusiasm, and admitted into the village with shouts of joy. Old and young, men and women, viewed me as their deliverer in the need, and the welkin rang with the cry of "Salamat datang, Tuda Compania!" (Welcome! representative of the Company!)

In a few words I informed them of the object of the Government in sending me here, and testified to them my anxious desire to establish peace among them, to effect which they requested my assistance. On my assuring them that the people of the other villages would lay down their arms, they promised on their part to refrain from hostilities, and to await with peace and quietness the effects of my intervention. I also requested them to give free admission to my interpreters and the other officials, that they might pursue the necessary enquiry.

In the mean time, I caused the presents which had been brought for each village to be taken from the boats, and ordered the armed seamen to approach; after which I permitted the letter of the Government to be solemnly read and explainedto them, and distributed the presents to the chiefs. After having promised to come back and settle their differences, I returned to Ewena and Aweer, where the presents of the Government were also distributed, and received with great thankfulness; the people expressing their sense of the kindness of the Company, and stating anew how ardently they had longed for the return and assistance of the Dutch Government, and how fortunate they would esteem themselves were they again to be recognized as "Anak Compania," or children of the Company. What may we not do with such people?

The day was spent in examining into their differences, and in transacting the business which had been entrusted to me by the Government; and towards evening I returned on board, promising to pay them another visit on the following day.

I was able to leave these villages with much satisfaction, as I had had another opportunity of seeing how ineffaceably the old Dutch Government is fixed in the memories of these people; and also, as I had had the good fortune to effect something towards promoting the welfare of my fellow-men. The thought of having, by timely intervention, put astop to wars, murders, and running away with women, afforded me more pleasure than I can express. This thought caused me to disregard all difficulties, and encouraged me cordially to assist with my best advice, this uncivilized, but, at the same time, uncorrupted and simple people.

FOOTNOTES:[37]The very young girls also wear a similar ornament, but it is much lighter, being made of thick brass wire.[38]It must here be remarked, that I had not yet conversed with any of the people of Romian, and was therefore unacquainted with their disposition. As they lay so far from the brig, and were at war with their neighbours, they were afraid to pay me a visit.

[37]The very young girls also wear a similar ornament, but it is much lighter, being made of thick brass wire.

[38]It must here be remarked, that I had not yet conversed with any of the people of Romian, and was therefore unacquainted with their disposition. As they lay so far from the brig, and were at war with their neighbours, they were afraid to pay me a visit.

Back to Index Next