DeBryRareBooks
De Bry - "How the upper class of Java parade the streets" - 1599 - Indonesia
De Bry - "How the upper class of Java parade the streets" - 1599 - Indonesia
-Page 29x19cm
When a high-ranking officer or dignitary walks the streets, he is accompanied by bearers carrying staves, with swords in sheaths of red or black velvet. His servant follow behind, holding an umbrella over his head and carry his accessories. These highly ranked men wear aprons threaded with golden embroidery but leave their torsos naked. Sometimes they wear scarlet jackets with velvet trimmings and turbans made of the finest Bengalese material. They wear their daggers tucked into their clothing and walk about with great pride. They consider it a scandal to wear shoes. When ordinary folk meet up with them in the street, they are obliged to crouch down humbly until the procession passes.