Laos/ Indochina: Redrawn from a photograph, this is Alevy, the charismatic interpreter for the French Mekong expedition from 1866-68.

According to the Mekong Exporation Commission's report: “Alevy decided to atone for his past sins in Peunom [Wat Phanom]. Once there, he had his head shaved, donned the monk's robe and after a night in prayer went to consult the pagoda's resident monk … The old man, after a few moments' reflection, told him simply: 'My son, follow your heart.' The penitent sinner hesitated no longer. He went to a chapel near the pyramid and there on a small altar, before a statue of the Buddha, he at once cut off the tip of one of his left hand fingers with a knife. This offering had set his conscience at rest. Commander de Lagree reproached him gently … and tried to expalin that the best way to repent was to change his conduct rather than mutilate his body. Alevy pretended to agree but in his inmost heart probably cherished the heroic way he had atoned for his sins.”

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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