542 



PYGMIES AND FOREST NEGROES 



describing a flattened semi-circle. At the top or apex of the hut these 

 withes of the framework cross one another, or occasionally the withes may 

 be bent over, the one parallel to the other, thus forming a somewhat oblong 



297. PYGMIES DANCING 



tunnel. But the round hut is the commoner shape. Withes, reed stalks, 

 or thin branches are fastened horizontally against the circular framework 

 to receive the thatch, which is composed of quantities of large leaves, 

 principally the leaves of a zingiberaceous plant (Phrynium?) allied to the 

 banana. Sometimes these leaves may be affixed in circles by bending back 

 the lower third of the leaf over the horizontal withes, and pinning the 

 folded leaf by wooden splinters, thus forming a rough "tiling" of over- 

 lapping leaves. In any case the Pygmy has only got to throw on enough 

 leaves over his roof to ensure a fair protection within from the tropical rains. 

 A small hole near the bottom is left uncovered, and through this the Pygmy 

 crawls on all fours. There is usually one hut to each grown-up person, man 

 or woman, though husband and wife will sometimes share the same hut. 

 Tiny little huts are usually made for each weaned child. 



Their musical instruments appear to consist mainly of small drums made 

 of sections of hollowed tree-trunk covered with lizard or antelope skin. 

 They also, however, have trumpets made from the horns of antelopes or the 

 tusks of small elephants. Where they dwell near tribes of superior culture, 

 they like to borrow or obtain stringed bows or other stringed instruments, 

 which they twang with great gusto. As the Dwarfs do not understand the 

 art of twisting fibres or gut into string, their own bows are not suited to 

 be musical instruments, because they are fitted with long strips of the rind 

 of the midribs of palm fronds instead of gut or string. 



