48 In the Heart of Africa 



people with an almost ideal physique. Heights of i-8o, 200, 

 and even 2-20 metres (from 5 ft. ii}4 in. to 7 ft. 2^ in.) are of 

 quite common occurrence, yet the perfect proportion of their 

 bodies is in no wise detracted from. Whilst the shoulders are 

 generally powerfully built, the waist is at times extraordinarily 

 slender. The hands are elegant and delicate in form, the wrists 

 of an almost feminine grace. They possess that same graceful 

 indolence in their gait which is peculiar to Oriental peoples, and 

 their bronze-brown skin reminds one of the inhabitants of the 

 more hilly parts of northern Africa. Their heads are eminently 

 characteristic. Unmistakable evidences of a foreign strain are 

 betrayed in their high foreheads, the curve of their nostrils, and 

 the fine oval shape of their faces. 



The affairs of the country are administered by a number of 

 subordinate chiefs (Watuales), also Watussi or Wahima, who 

 are superintendents of districts, yet are always subject to the 

 supreme control of the ruler, who springs from the old Watussi 

 race, the Bega.* Frequent interviews with the "Mami" necessi- 

 tate many journeys to his residence, and it seems that at such 

 times great quantities of nsoga have to be consumed, to facili- 

 tate the unravelling of awkward problems and to determine the 

 measures to be taken. This is a brew concocted from bananas 

 with malted red sorghum (Chinese sugar-cane), and manufac- 

 tured at Kinjaruanda. The Sultan's court is at such times often 

 the scene of wild orgies, tumult and beating of drums, which 

 on occasion continue all night. 



Similarly to their sovereign ruler, the Watuales are descended 

 from various distinguished families or clans. These clans hold 

 land, pay taxes to the Sultan, are keen to avenge the bloodshed 

 of kinsmen, and possess a totem, some object of adoration which 

 usually takes the shape of an animal or a plant. 



The vendetta, according to Czekanowski, is the real bond of 



union which cements these clans. If it did not exist they would 



collapse. In districts where these clans intermingle, and the 



members of any special family cannot congregate without quarrel- 



• It may be mentioned that there is a Bedja race existent in Nubia. 



