|
|
|
|
|
|
![](/cyprusexplorer/includes/images/kolossi200x90.jpg) |
|
|
uses Google technology and indexes
only and selectively internet - libraries
having books with free public access |
|
![](/cyprusexplorer/includes/images/chirocit200x200.jpg) |
|
|
![](/cyprusexplorer/includes/images/kourion200x140.jpg) |
|
|
|
|
Previous | |
Next |
|
![](/_images/8x8.gif) |
SIR SAMUEL WHITE BAKER
CYPRUS AS I SAW IT IN 1879
page 59 View PDF version of this page turning. W e then re-crossed the river, and disregard ing all native advice, struck into the country, an' halted near a small grove of olives close to the ne English road to the military station " Mattiati. "
It was the 4th of February, and the temperature iti the morning and evening was too cold (430) for pleasanti camping. In spite of a chilly wind, crowds of womerft and children surrounded our vans and sat for hours! indulging their curiosity, and shivering in light clothes] of home-made cotton-stuffs. The children were gene-', rally pretty, and some of the younger women were] good-looking ; but there was a total neglect of personal' appearance which is a striking characteristic of the Cypriote females. In most countries, whether savageJ or civilised, the women yield to a natural instinct, and] to a certain extent adorn their persons and endeavour to render themselves attractive ; but in Cyprus there is a distressing absence of the wholesome vanity that should induce attention to dress and cleanliness. The inelegance of costume gives an unpleasant peculiarity to their figures—the whole crowd of girls and women looked as though they were about to become mothers. The coarse and roughly-tanned, uncared-for high boots with huge hobnails were overlapped by great baggy trousers. Above these were a considerable number of petticoats loosely hanging and tied carelessly at the waist, which was totally unsupported by any such assistance as stays. A sort of short jacket that was of no particular cut, and possessed the advantage of fitting any variety of size or figure, completed the attire. The buttons that should have confined the dress in front were generally absent, and the ladies were not bashful at their loss, but exposed their bosoms without any consciousness of indelicacy. There was no peculiarity
View PDF version of this page
|
![](/_images/8x8.gif) |
|
Previous |
First |
Next |
|
|
|