TREATMENT OF NATIVES 



nor must it be forgotten that, according to their own 

 ideas, they are strict Mussulmans. In a recent article 

 on big-game shooting in East Africa that appeared 

 in a magazine, the writer states that four Somali 

 came into camp and presented him with a sheep, but 

 he gave them nothing in return, for, he says, " they 

 would be frightfully offended if we offered them 

 anything for it, even a drink "(!). The last three 

 words especially show such an astounding ignorance 

 that they alone justify the Government's action in 

 making the Northern Frontier District and Jubaland 

 a closed territory, forbidden to the casual big-game 

 shooter. 



It is, of course, essential never to lose one's temper, 

 although the Somali frequently but unconsciously 

 appear insolent, but this, as a rule, is a mannerism 

 rather than a deliberate act. Chiefs should always 

 have a present, and all communications should go 

 through them. The nature of the gift varies with 

 the importance of the recipient. Coloured silk hand- 

 kerchiefs, silk cloths, razors and looking-glasses all 

 form appropriate presents to big chiefs, in addition 

 to the value in trade goods of the gift he has made 

 you (probably an ox or a couple of sheep or a camel). 

 With discontented Somali it is advisable to allow 

 plenty of talk, and to provide coffee, while they are 

 discussing. In this way a solution agreeable to both 

 sides may often be reached. Should any chief or 

 men prefer a complaint against any of the explorer's 

 followers, with regard to any matter previous to that 

 journey, he should point out that while working under 

 him his men are neutral, and they cannot be interfered 

 with, until they have been discharged. If he has any 

 complaint to make against a native, the traveller 



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