engraving and text extracted from
History of Madeira - 1821 (from my library)
Madeira was then under British domination
Costume peculiar to the Inhabitants
of the Western part of the Island
There is a manifest difference between the southern and western natives of the island of Madeira. It is not necessary to attempt a philosophical inquiry into the causes of this variety. It is sufficient for these pages merely to state its existence. Those of the western side lay claim to, as they indeed possess, a decided superiority over those of the southern part of the island. Their manners and habits are more simple and natural ; their figures present a more regular proportion, and their skin a finer complexion. They are described also, as remarkable for the brightness of their eyes, the growth of their hair, and the beauty of their teeth. They frequently go barefoot ; but when their feet are clad, they wear boots made of goat-skins, which are light and durable, and being white, have a pretty appearance. The whole dress of both sexes has a picturesque character, both as to shape and variety of colours. For its materials, the wearers are solely indebted to their own domestic manufacture, in which the female hands are more particularly employed.
Beauty ’s a thing will ever claim
Attention to its very name,
And, in whatever form 'tis seen,
Will be, as it has ever been,
A charm to the admiring eye
In all her vast variety.
Whether in her wild, native state,
Or living or inanimate ;
If she in flow’ry vale appears,
Or the rude, rocky mountain rears ;
Whether the crystal riv’let flow,
Through verdant meads, or from the brow
Of some high clift the torrents pour,
In dashing foam and ceaseless roar :
Or when fair art its aid displays,
And doth the stately mansion raise
T’ enrich the landscape all serene,
And with new forms adorn the scene.
But how superior is the charm
That is from living nature warm,
And, in its various scale of sense,
Beams with the mind’s intelligence,
Whether it sparkles from the eye,
Or smiles ’twixt rows of ivory ;
Or when the native tresses break
In flowing ringlets down the neck,
And grace a form that doth command
The wishes of the sculptor’s hand.
These are the beauties that impart
An impulse to the glowing heart,
Whether in courtly robes array’d,
Or seen beneath the rural shade,
In shepherd swain or rustic maid.
Costumes:
The comparison of dress between these two peasant couples is not great, except indeed, as the text says, in relation to the richness of the clothes.
The westerners both wear the traditional Madeiran striped cloth, and the man has an extra jacket, not just a shirt. His wife, if she also walks barefoot, like the other, holds her shoes in her right hand.
These are the only notable differences, except that those in the west seem to raise livestock (ducks and lamb).
Translated with DeepL
