342 AFRICAN CAMP FIRES. 



women, but whether this is actually so or not 

 I cannot say. 



On this imposing and pleasing physical foun- 

 dation your true Masai is content to build a very 

 slight superstructure of ornament. His ear- 

 lobes are always stretched to hang down in long 

 loops, in which small medals, ornaments, decor- 

 ated blocks of wood, or the like, are inserted. 

 Long, heavy ovals of ivory, grooved to accom- 

 modate the flesh loop, very finely etched in 

 decorative designs, are occasionally worn as 

 " stretchers." Around the neck is a slender 

 iron collar, and on the arms are one or two 

 glittering bracelets. The sword belt is of leather 

 heavily beaded, with a short dangling fringe of 

 steel beads. Through this the short blade is 

 thrust. When in full dress the warrior further 

 sports a hollow iron knee bell, connected with the 

 belt by a string of cowrie shells or beads. Often 

 is added a curious triangular strip of skin fitting 

 over the chest, and reaching about to the waist. 

 A robe or short cloak of short-haired sheepskin is 

 sometimes carried for warmth, but not at all for 

 modesty. The weapons are a long, narrow- bladed 

 heavy spear, the buffalo hide shield, the short 

 sword, and the war club or rungs. The women 

 are always shaven-headed, wear voluminous 



