A number of illustrations, further displaying their technical skill in the various arts, will be observed on Plates 93, 91, 95, 96, and 97. Thus on Plate 93 we see carpenters' tools (figs. 7, 8), an oil-jar (fig. 9), a stool and bench (figs. to, II), a basket (fig. 12), and a large hut (fig. 13), all from the Monbuttns. On Plate 94 (fig. 2) is a similar dwelling of the Dinkas, and Figures 5 and 7 are respectively a drum and a water-pitcher of the same tribe; Figure 3 is a clay pipe-head of Golo manufacture. Plate 95 shows a variety of articles made by the Niain-Niam; Figure 2, a dagger and sheath; Figure 3, a wooden vase; Figure 4, a stringed musical instru ment; Figure 5, a pitcher; Figure 6, a box; Figure 7, an earthen flask; Figure 9, a shield; Figure a dagger; Figures it, 12, swords. On the same plate (fig. 13) are a basket from the Basuro country and (jigs. 14, 15) a pipe and a musical instrument from the Mittus. On Plate 96 (ficr. 3) are shown lance-heads from the Bongos, and Figures 4, 5, and 6 illus trate the construction of a furnace or smelting-oven among the Djurs. A shovel and bracelet of native Djur manufacture are represented on Plate 97 (figs. 6, 7), and on the same plate (jig. 1) is a granary of the Bongos; Figure 2, one of their furnace-bellows, and Figure 3, a carved figure, such as they erect on graves. The almost nude man (fig. 4) is an Akka warrior with how, arrows, and lance.
Afoney.—Iron as well as copper bars frequently form a sort of money, the iron (according to Schweinfurt]]) assuming in the east the shape either of spear-points or of round disks with a handle. Silver money, and even paper money, have been introduced. The cowries (small shells) have now lost their significance, and are worn only as ornaments, but their serving for so long a time and in so important a measure as coin (see p. 116) proves the mercantile spirit of the Negroes. All Negroes carry on trade with great passion and still greater skill. Many tribes are not only adepts in swimming and diving, but carry on active communication by water; and perhaps the Krus (crew) derive their name front their skill in naviga tion. Plate 93 (fig. 6) shows some fishing-skiffs of an eastern tribe. In all these things the Fulah are closely related to the Negroes.
Arls and artistic accomplishments arc quite limited.
Although some taste may at times be observed in their carvings and in their buildings, it would be saying too much to assert that they have accomplished anything in the plastic arts. Their dances, generally noc turnal and originally of a religious character, are mostly dissolute (p1. 94, figs. i, 6). The dancers are fantastically attired, especially when they are solo dancers, as is frequently the case: Plate 91 (fig-. 5) shows one in half mask. There are also jugglers and clowns. Their musical attainments are of a higher order. They sing and play much, often for the sake of the music alone, without any words. The musicians frequently dance while playing ( pl. 93, • 4). Their music is mostly rude, especially at
their public festivities, which are described by witnesses as being conducted with disorderly noise and wild screaming. But they have melodies for songs and fixed rhythms, and exhibit great ability in learning music.
Jfusical have various harp- and lute-like instru ments (p1. 92, figs. i6, 17), besides the monochords (p1. 92, fig. 12), which remind one of the monochords of South Africa, and are, like them, vibrated by blowing ; they have also large wooden drums, kettledrums (p1. 94, fig.
flutes of various forms (p1. 92, figs. 13, 15; pl. 93, fig. 4), trumpet-like instruments (p1. 94, fig. 1), Pan's flutes, etc. Instruments similar to those represented on Plate 83 (fig. i) are found in the west.
poetry is not insignificant. Their epi-lyric effu sions are mostly extemporary—among some tribes of the west there are professional improvisators—and consequently are of no high order; but they show the ability of the Negroes to conceive facts and subjective experiences with a certain depth of feeling and to express them poetically. Their lyrical stanzas, and above all their numerous and apposite proverbs, are an eVidence of this ability. The Negroes are fond of stories, and especially fable-like narratives, which are far-spread and have a practical, instructive conclusion. They also have fairy-tales, some of which Scholl relates; but a powerful and unchecked imagination inclines them to the monstrous.
Family to the family life of the Negro, we find the same mixture of good-nature associated with vulgar selfishness which we have so frequently noticed. Everywhere the wife is bought, everywhere polygamy prevails, and only the very poorest are satisfied with one wife. The women generally have separate houses, and one of them, either she who was first married, or the one of highest rank, or the mother of the principal heir, is considered the chief wife in the west as well as in Cen tral Africa. It is different in the east, where the women when old and ugly are treated by the men as slaves, or at least are no longer visited, and are replaced by younger wives; but they still belong to the family of the man who has purchased them. Sovereigns are obliged to take the wives of their fathers, and often have a great number.
Sexual marriage the sexes are permitted to have free intercourse with each other, but there are tribes which are more strict in this regard. In the east the women, with the exception of the impor tunate Monbuttu women, are well behaved, and even exhibit great reserve (Schweinfurth). Adultery is criminal everywhere, and is either punished by money-fines or by death. But of course the wife cannot call her hus band to account in like manner. Among some degenerated tribes prosti tution of the wife by her husband is frequent, and among the western (coast) nations there are everywhere public women who give the money they earn to their masters, and in Dahomey to the king. The Negroes are a very sensual race.