5^n 



INITIATION KITES OF TIIK liAPFDI. 



xA.t the conclusion of this psahii a party of Men is sent off 

 to build the MpJiato or Lodge. This takes the form of a circular 

 enclosure with two entrances : one, facing the east, is 

 called the Khoro ca Banna (The Gate of the Men) ; the other, 

 facing the west, is called the Khoro ca Baloi (The Demon Gate). 

 The Khoro ca banna may only be used by Men who have been 

 fully Initiated in the secret mysteries of the tribe; if one of the 

 Initiates were to enter the M phato by that gate, he would imme- 

 diately be put to death. 



The size of the M phato varies according to the number of 

 the boys to l)e initiated. It consists of a fence com])()sed of 



^^^'riTS'y 



BOYS' 



ENTRANCE 



Plan of the Mfliato or Lodge. 



1. Kliorti c(i banna. 5. Eating place. 



2. Khoro ea baloi. 6. Pliiri. 



3. The Taiiana. j 7. Piskana. 



4. Sleeping sheds <if men. | 8. The spoor of the Pliiri. 



branches of trees, wliich is of sufficient height and density to 

 conceal all that goes on within the enclosiu'e. Sometimes a shed 

 or shelter from rain is erected on tlie inside for the use of the 

 Men and Herders, but the Initiates have to sleeji in the open, 

 around the central fireplace, naked, and without any kind of 

 covering, in all kinds of w^eather. 



When the enclosure has been completed, a long fireplace is 

 built across the centre of the enclosure between the gates. The 

 flame by which this fire is kindled must be produced by the 

 Leshana, or " fire drill," and once it has been lit, it is not allowed 



