The old method of cultivating by simply burning down trees and throwing seeds in the ashes is still practised in some areas.

Down there is a splendid example of a native village. It’s quite a way down, but let’s go there anyway.

Here we are, then. It’s called Bangaan, this little village, and as you see the huts are built on stilts and you have to climb up a ladder to get inside. That way the villagers are protected from rats, they say.

The little girls are a bit shy, but the young mothers don’t seem shy at all.According to tradition, by the way, all the young girls sleep together in one hut until they are married off.

By the way they have a few souvenirs for you and me. Fancy a wooden carving of Bulu, the rice god, or a sample of native headgear, with jaw-bones, feathers and all?

So this is what it used to be like in the good old days before civilization came, eh? Unfortunately the time has come for us to return to civilization. Paalaam, as they say: Goodbye.