The birth of a dead child creates great fear among the Hottentots; the father becomes unclean and the whole kraal is torn down. A normal child is first rubbed with fresh cow-dung, then with the sap of a 2bresemb,y anti/cilium, next with fat, and finally the odoriferous buchu-powder is strewn over it. It is named by the mother, more rarely by the father; the name is taken from some animal or other object of nature, and is given immediately after birth.
The care given to children is not very great: the mother carries the infant on her back, the other children run by her side; later on the boy remains with the father, the girl with the mother, and they are taught the arts of the parents or acquire them by themselves. There is no lack of affection on the part of parents, but examples of great barbarity are also not absent, and it is deemed no disgrace for grown-up children to beat their parents.
Among both Bushmen and Hottentots superannuated persons are sup plied with some provisions and left in the desert to die. Both tribes care fully nurse their old members in sickness so long as there is a hope of recovery. When this hope fails, a hut is built in the wilderness or a circle of stones is formed to represent one: the sick person is placed in it, and his nearest relatives or the members of his kraal put him to death. The act is accompanied by religious ceremonies, and, whether on account of the religious hopes mingled with it or because of the force of custom, it is expected and acquiesced in by the victims themselves. This custom, as well as the manner of casting out children and the care with which the after-birth and the blood of a parturient woman are buried, is founded in fear of the souls of the dying and of the spirits that live in blood.
before reception into the community of men must first be made men, on which occasion that unclean ceremony which we have mentioned (p. 29S) is again a main factor; at the same time offerings are made. Among the Bushmen of the !Karri-!Karri Desert, who wear the nose-plug, the nose is pierced at the time of manhood. The women are considered unclean during the period of menstruation, but, on the whole, they are not badly treated among the better-situated tribes, and they even allay quarrels among the men. They are treated worse among the more barbarous tribes of the Hottentots and by the Bushmen. Among
the Hottentots widows are permitted to marry, but they must then ampu tate one joint of a finger (the little finger first). This loss is probably endured also voluntarily ou other occasions; for instance, as an offering to bring health to sick persons.
do not inherit; at the most they receive pres ents at their marriage. The oldest son inherits everything. The younger brothers receive presents only, and continue dependent on the oldest, whom they assist in hunting and on the pasture, and in return are sustained by him, as is also the widowed mother. Still, it was the younger brothers who as a rule sought service among the Dutch, although this service was far more severe than that of their own family.
Gozrrnment.—First the father, and next the oldest brother, enjoy patri archal power within the family, and on this form of family life their con stitution is based. Each kraal has its " captain," whose dignity is heredi tary; the tribes also have their superiors, on whom the captains are dependent, and who are commanders-in-chief and supreme judges. No exterior decoration distinguishes the chief; there are no different ranks, nor are there slaves, for the pastoral life of the Hottentots has created perfect liberty and equality among them.
to law also they are equals. Accidental murder can be atoned by presents. Adultery, murder, and theft are punished with death: the captain assembles the kraal, and the accused is per mitted to defend himself, but when found guilty the captain strikes the first blow in order to kill him, and this blow generally makes others unnecessary. If the murderer escapes, lie is an outlaw, for blood-revenge prevails. The petty quarrels of the Hottentots are generally settled among themselves by cudgelling.
Wars.—Wars are occasioned by violations of boundary, and are carried on with zeal and in open battles, which are conducted by the captain, who gives the signal for beginning and for terminating them. Generally the combatants quickly take to flight. They do not take captives, but kill whomsoever they overtake either in battle or in flight; wholesale slaughter and massacres are not usual. After a battle both parties sol emnly inter their dead.