104 



HOME LIFE OF THE AFRICAN. 



Children are longed for, as increase of famil}^ brings dignity and 

 source of future wealth. 



Either sex is welcomed, though more especially a boy, as one 

 who will carry on the father's name and title. But a girl baby is 

 not despised, as in some countries. She will be wealthy some day 



REJOICING ON THE BIRTH OF A BABY. 



when sold to a husband. In the meanwhile, she is useful as a 

 servant. 



Only the deformed and monstrosities are destroyed. In a few 

 tribes twins are regarded as monstrosities, and are, therefore, 

 destroyed and the mother is punished with exile. Where twins 

 are welcomed, they are regarded with special consideration. Many 

 ceremonies are performed to ward from them witchcraft efil. They 

 are always given the same names. When, therefore, we meet with 

 adults, named, e. g., Ivaha (Wish) and Ayenive (the Unseen), we 

 know that they are either one of twins, or were named for a twin 

 relative. 



