Clubs of various kinds are the favorite ann of the Nuers, Dinkas, and Shilluks (p. 96, fig. 2; pl. 97, fig. 5; comp. 151. 94, fig. 4, to the left), and also pointed sticks of hard wood (pl. 93, fig. 6, with standing figure), such as we found among the Caffirs and Hottentots (p. 313). Besides, they have a peculiar bow-like weapon with which they protect themselves from the blows of the clubs.
The shields, mostly with rich decorations and of different forms (for instance, p1. 93, jig. 5), constitute another weapon of defence. Cuirasses, jackets of buffalo-skin, or long war-coats of matting are used in Central Africa (bl. 91, fig. 8; fii. 92, jigs. 2, 5; pl. 99, _fig. 2). The horses are also protected with armor. The cavalry of the Fulah is equipped in this manner.
Other weapons are the which is in use in the west (pl. 91, jig. 5, on the ground), in the centre (pl. 92, fig. 7), and in the east of the region; the szeord (p1. 91, jig. 4; Darfur, p/. 99, Jig. 7, and in the east among the Niam-Niam, p1. 95, figs. 11, 12); different kinds of daggers; and the Bornuese (p1. 92, jig. 4), which is fastened to a stick by means of two eyes.
The Imimbash (p1. 99, jig. 9) originated from a flat wooden sling, such as is found in various places in Soudan; it is generally used in hunt ing, and is much like the famous Australian boomerang (see p. 61; p1. 5, fig. 8h); it is made of iron and supplied with points and teeth, and is a dangerous weapon. It is mostly in use in the east, but is also found in Central Africa. It is carried in the hand, as by the Musgu chief on Plate 105 (fig. 6), while Plate 99 (jig. 9) shows the East-African form in use among the Niam-Niam.
Firearms are now in use in the west and in the interior (p1. 91, jigs. 3, 7; 93, 2; p1. 105, fig. 6), and are also being introduced in the east: awkward as the Negroes were in the use of them in the beginning, they now know very well how to handle them.
Before a war, which is always preceded by magic rites, they paint and adorn themselves in a striking manner (p1. 91, fiAr. 3; pl. 93, fig. 2), question the gods, perform solemn and wild dances, often at night (p1. 94, fig. r), and utter awful threats and challenges. War is formally declared,
and fought out in pitched battles, which are generally not very sanguinary, as the combatants cover themselves so that most of the shots have no effect; they also pause during the fight, and these pauses are employed in vilifying the enemy. They have no fixed battle-array. For the most part, that side flees whose men fall first, and the main thing is to follow the fugitives. The cities and landed property of the conquered are laid waste in order to gain booty. The wars are injurious on account of the pluudcrings and destructions connected with them. There arc also wars of incursion and pillage, which are not announced and which are gen erally the continuance of old quarrels between tribes. War in general is conducted by the Filial] exactly as by the other Negroes.
are seldom tortured or killed, being generally enslaved. Only when the passions are particularly aroused do the Negroes strive to capture the heads of the enemy as trophies. But among sonic tribes it is the usual practice; in Dahomey, for instance, heads arc col lected, and among the Niam-Niam they are hung up in public places.
.1/i/i/ary .Virit.—The Negroes have a warlike spirit whose expression must be judged according to the customs of the country. Where they have been led by Europeans or other trained leaders they have proved valiant and persevering, and they readily learn to withstand the arts of their enemies. In their own wars there is no lack of examples of fool hardy daring, although this is more the result of carelessness or unchecked passion than of valor. A cause for war is often found in trivial things, some individual robbery or private quarrel; also in covetousness, a love of booty, or a national pleasure in combat. Peace is negotiated without much ceremony.
armies of the different states are not important. The Dahomans are said to be able to send twelve thousand men to war, and Schweinfurth saw an equally large army on the White Nile. The strength of the states of Central Africa, whose main force consists of their cavalry, is much greater, but the power of each state changes rapidly on account of ever-continuing wars.