294 William F. Daniell, Esq., on the Ethnography of 



term of Attuffoy-yo, by which they are distinguished. Previously to 

 their assumption of a more matronly attire, they are obliged to sub- 

 mit to certain expurgatory rites instituted by the fetish, and as they 

 receive the parting benediction of the priest, listen at the same time 

 to the impressive admonitions he offers respecting the duties of a 

 married life, into whose mysteries they are on the threshold of ini- 

 tiation. 



Like those of the men, the garments of the females are divisible 

 into an intermediate fold, and one or more outer coverings of the 

 same materials but of better texture, which are retained in their 

 position by the aid of a silk or cotton handkerchief bound round the 

 middle. Both sexes are extremely partial to the use of the beads, 

 and omit no opportunity of displaying them to advantage in the 

 decoration of their persons. Every year witnesses fresh acquisi- 

 tions to their private stock from the influx of novelties brought by 

 the shipping, which alone, as mercantile imports, are eagerly coveted, 

 and fetch a steady sale among the multitudinous tribes of the in- 

 terior. They are distributed into bracelets and armlets that com- 

 pass the wrist and upper arm, into circlets that inclose the ankle 

 and leg below the knee, and into necklaces, in whose varied selection 

 are blended all the hues of the rainbow. Another kind of necklace 

 equally in vogue, is constructed from some testaceous product in an 

 oblong or rhomboidal form, alternating with round black seeds, and 

 is particularly patronised by the fetish men and their famihes, who, 

 in these matters, arrogate to themselves the functions of conservators 

 for all articles that are of aboriginal foundation. Hence they are 

 deemed sacred, and bear the name of Affie or Affile. 



Upon her marriage, the female, arrayed in the most attractive 

 finery, and adorned with a variety of golden ornaments borrowed for 

 the occasion, is paraded through various quarters of the town, accom- 

 panied by a troop of young friends and relatives, who chant in festive 

 chorus the celebration of this auspicious event. On such occurrences, 

 it is customary for the husband to be specially provided with gifts of 

 connubial import, viz., metallic bracelet, a bunch of keys, and a 

 symbolic device, all worked in silver, the last two being suspended 

 on the girdle by the side of the bride. This device is denominated 

 Hennone, and comprehends on a diminutive scale, the representa- 

 tion of divers swords and dirks, with a shield, their usual war equip- 

 ment, an elephant's tooth, and an ideal semblance of two cowries, 

 one attached to each end, and the others depending from the central 

 portion of a cylindrical bar or rod. It is not easy to ascertain 

 whether this emblem was originally intended to convey a typical 

 illustration of war and commerce, and the benefits that would result 

 from the combination of both, or as a figurative intimation of the 

 good fortune destined for the offspring to come forth, whether as 

 opulent merchants, capable of disseminating their wares at thrice-told 

 profits, or as renowned warriors, well qualified to wield the sword in 

 defence of their country. 



