TFIE BAGANANOA OK MA-LAliOcH. 2=,L 



the day on which the Crocodile is revealed, a ceremonial fast 

 is observed — i.e., no food but that provided in the following 

 way is allowed to be eaten by the Badikaiia. 



A goat is ])rovided for the occasion, by the Chief, and this 

 is sacrificed, skinned, and disembowelled, and the remainder 

 cooked whole. The image of the crocodile, which is hollowed 

 out on the underside so as to fcjrni a rough trough (see Plate 7), 

 Fig. 2) is then carried out and ])laced upon its back under the 

 TIo otshc and at right angles to it, with the head facing the 

 south. Into the trough in the crocodile's body the soup or 

 gravy from the cooked goat is poured, and a single ration of 

 jiap is added. (The pa]) is fetched as usual so as to awake 

 no sus])icions in the miuds of those at the kraal as to Avhat is 

 going on, but only this one ])ortion is used. ) The Bodikana 

 then approach the trough on all-fours, and feed out of it like 

 dogs ; they are not allowed to touch the food whh their liands. 

 This ceremony is only performed once during the school, but 

 the crocodile trough remains in the position between the legs 

 of the Tlo otshe until the initiation rites are over, when it is 

 returned to its hiding-place in the cave, and during the period 

 it is used as the receptacle for all refuse of food.* 



In keei)ing with the rest of the disciplinary system of the 

 Circumcision Schools, the boys have to learn how to go without 

 food for a whole day, two days, or even longer. If anything 

 occurs which meets with the disapproval of the Mokgota (the 

 Superintendent or Grand Master of the Lodge), he throws a 

 small stone into the collection of pap in the trough, and the 

 moment this is done all eating is stopped, and no more food 

 may be touched for the rest of the day. 



When a stranger visits the lodge, he approaches the men's 

 gate and taps twice with his stick on the wooden posts. 



The Moswara ton (Guardian of the Fire) answers by 

 saying Tsooi! (Salt), which is a signal to all to keep silence. 

 He then approaaclies the gate and savs : Mafoba (Rebotse) 

 (Tell us). 



The visitor is tlien led round the Mpliato, and the following 

 dialogue, which constitutes the pass - word, which everyone 

 initiated must know by heart, takes place : — 



See note. Appendix. 



