It is a very common custom among the Dayaks of Borneo to wear heavy rings in their ears. The rings are made of iron or brass and are worn through the pierced lobes of the ear. The weight of the metal stretches the lobes which reach a length of several centimeters. To Western eyes these stretched ears lobes look absolutely hideous but for the Dayaks it is a sign of beauty.

The Dayaks are a savage people but they care about elegance. They love headgear such as turbans, feather crowns and fur caps. All these play a part in tribal ceremonies and war celebrations when, to the music of copper gongs beaten by women, the men go through all the movements of combat.

Jewellery does not vary much between men and women. Both wear necklaces, ear-rings, bracelets and colourful hair-grips.