ABSTRACT
Intrinsic to the Temiar beliefs which maintain the integrity of their bodies is the control exerted on individuals and groups in relation to the crossing of bodily boundaries. These boundaries concern the inside and outside of the body, the upper and lower half, and substances which enter and are transformed in the body. The freedom of exposure of the top half of the body is in complete contrast to the concealment of the lower half of the body. The Temiars differentiate their clothing according to whether they stay within the village or go outside it. The most usual day-to-day dress for the Temiars is sarongs for both sexes or shorts for the men and boys. Cigarettes are given to visitors on arrival and it would be bad manners to refuse a cigarette. Temiar body movement is slow and measured; their walking is from the ball of the foot rather than the heel.
