road, and now funeral dances and loud songs of woe
were still of frequent occurrence. An Induna who
accompanied me to see these rites exhibited what is
called the “ scepticism of the better classes,” and quietly
remarked with a smile, as he handed me some Kafir beer,
“ it will not bring him back.” All these men love
strong liquor, and those who can obtain it show little
moderation whilst the supply remains unfinished. Two
Indunas visited the store daily, and patiently waited
about during my visit, knowing that I had some whiskey,
and by friendly smiles solicited the favour of being asked
to take a drink. To look at these two men, there could
be little doubt as to how they acquired their position.
Good health, a stalwart and imposing appearance, the
signs of mental capacity far beyond their fellows, a general
air of good-natured cunning, and an absence of what
might be called “ morbid conscientiousness,” made up
the qualities that not only created success in a kraal,
but with education would have made good men of
business, who could have promoted Companies and
held their own on a stock exchange.^ These are the
attributes which for ever make impossible dreams as to
the perfect “ equality of man.”
With these two Indunas we arranged the preliminaries
for a great dance on the hasis of my host providing
an ox to be slaughtered and eaten on the
occasion.
On the morning of the dance troops of Magwambas,
ornamented with their most showy if scanty wearing-
appaxel and singing their songs or rather dirges,
gathered in from all sides. Several Indunas were
arrayed in war-like attire, and the whole scene reminded
one of a public holiday at Hampstead or Riddlesdown
at home, but without both the drunkenness and vulgarity.
The only vulgar-looking Kafir was an individual
in European costume, who had just returned from
working at the diamond-fields. He was dressed in a
suit of cords, his waistcoat was ornamented with three
distinct brass watch-guards, he also possessed hoots and
necktie and wore a round h a t; but, compared with his
A rts and Industries in the S pe lonken.
1 & 2. Magwamba necklaces. 4. Mavenda pick or hoe.
3. Magwamba snuff-box. 5. Magwamba ladle.
6, 7, 8, 9. Magwamba head-rests.