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1-3-45. M and I spent the full day in an extended jungle trail trip north
Lodo, MESAN —
and east of camp APO 689. Qur peregrinations covered ten or twelve miles
during which distance we observed many interesting and unusual things. The
dominant: theme along the trail was one of a religious nature, oulatiebinp in
a@ Budhist temple. G-1-3-42) This temple was far removed from civilization
with: the only means of cummunication by jungle trail. Elephants were
probably used in transporting the material in to this area, It is remarkable
that such a fine temple (in comparison with the crude primitive homes support-
ing it.) would be found in such primitive environs and people. ie approached
this temple in hopes that some one would recognize our presence and invite
us ine In a moment an orange robed priest appeared and extended an invitat—
ion to visit the interior. jie now had an aggregate of about 15 worshipers
Shoes were left outside according to general poleiy. The interior was
plain and quite bare of furniture. A collection of pictures were suspended
from the walls and pillars relatirig the life of Budha and other more mai ern
priestsof their faith. On the stage behind the draw curtains were about 10
Budha idols in several different sizes rangeing from a few inchs to more than
life size. The material for construction and the surfacing of these Gods were
varied, a gold tinted one of life sixe particularly impressing me, Adjoing
the main room was a porch like chamber with several skulls and antlers of
dative deer. One long string of rodent like skulls was suspended between
two poles, In this dame room was 2 drums. One, a hollowed limb which
created a resounding chamber when struck with a hand club. The drum type
Was constructed on the principle of the
ordinary drum with one end open. These
drums are nodoubt used to call the worship-
ers for meetins or to keep the school on

a schedule. The area beneith the elevated

 

floor was equiped with slate for class