IS DRESS ORNASIENTS ARMS OCCUPATION. 



The men have adopted, as in many other things, the dress 

 of their conquerors, the Bechuanas, which consists simply of 

 a piece of skin, broad in front, tied round the waist, with a 

 tassel attached to it on each side falling dowTi over the hips ; 

 and, in addition to this, they wear a skin, or light caross, 

 which they accommodate to the body according to the state 

 of the weather. 



The women dress very much like those of the Damaras, 

 viz., -v\-ith a short skin skirt, which, as well as their own 

 persons (when they can afford it), is profusely bedecked with 

 beads and various brass, copper, and iron ornaments. But 

 the plate facing this page will give a far better idea of the 

 appearance, attire, &c., of these people than can be conveyed 

 in words. 



They are fond of the dance, which is a mimic representa- 

 tion of the playful sports and courtships of the different wild 

 animals surrounding them. 



The only weapons in use among the Bayeye are light jav- 

 elins, having sometimes two or three barbs. In addition to 

 this, the elders of the nation carry a shield, nearly oval in 

 form, made of a single fold of ox-hide ; but they have only 

 become acquainted with this means of defense since they 

 were subdued by the Bechuanas. To the want of shields 

 they entirely attribute their own defeat. 



With regard to their habits, customs, manners, &c., much 

 of what has already been said of the Bechuanas may be ap- 

 plied to the Bayeye — a natural consequence of subjugation. 



Like most dark-colored nations, they are addicted to in- 

 toxicating liquors. They understand how to brew beer, on 

 which they frequently become inebriated. 



The men are inveterate snuff-takers, and the women 

 " dacka" smokers. 



In former times the Bayeye possessed numerous herds of 

 cattle, but these passed into the hands of the Bechuaua*^ 

 upon their assuming the masteiy over the country. They 



