Reception at Kijamba 



red tarbushes with black tassels. To render their 

 appearance absolutely formidable they had each 

 been given an antiquated gun, which probably in 

 former times belonged to the old Arab slave raiders. 

 These they carried as emblems of their office rather 

 than for actual use, for I fancy if one had gone off 

 by accident the owner would have done so also, and 

 pretty quick, too. These men were the King's 

 bodyguard, their main duty being to try and keep 

 step when on the march, to stand to attention when 

 not so employed, and to perform an evolution in 

 imitation of a salute at frequent intervals according 

 as their feelings prompted them. Behind these 

 warriors came the band, most of whose members 

 carried quaint instruments of music made out of 

 reeds, grasses and skins. Some of these latter were 

 quite ingenious, and I purchased one for a few shells 

 (native currency). 



After the band strode a very big, powerful and 

 pompous native, in whom I had no difficulty in 

 detecting the chief, as another semi-nude native held 

 a huge umbrella over him, in order that the rays of 

 the equatorial sun should not come in contact with 

 his august though woolly head. A youth followed 

 him carrying his chair and a mat, in case his lordly 

 master should take it into his head to sit down. 

 Marchino- behind the chief came a hug^e concourse 

 of sub-chiefs, all dressed in white Kunsis, which are 

 nothing more nor less than female night-dresses, and 

 quaint as it may seem, made a great addition to the 

 picturesque appearance of the display. On arrival 



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