Origin of photo

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

I believe Sri Lanka also.

In some South and South East Asian societies, dwarfs and physically handicapped people were kept by both courts and upper class households as servants and entertainers.

Some commentators have been critical of this practice. In fact, it was a form of social support, in a society where a handicapped person cannot perform normal work, and where there is no state system of support for the handicapped, it becomes a duty of those who can afford to do so, to support those who cannot support themselves.

A most interesting note on this circumstance in these cultures and very well explained. I have always very much appreciated your keen insights into the deeper aspects of the cultures whose arms and arts we collect.

Thank you Alan!