384 



ACKOSS AFRICA. 



[Chap. 



September, of net-work of native manufacture, covering every part of his 

 1875. body except his head, over which he wore a carved and painted 

 mask. The net suit was striped horizontally with black and 

 white, the gloves and feet pieces being laced to the sleeves and 

 legs, and the join between the body and drawers being concealed 

 by a kilt of grass. 



The mask was painted to resemble an old man's face with 



enormous spectacles, and some 

 gray fur covered the back part. 

 In one hand he held a long staff, 

 and in the other a bell which he 

 constantly tinkled. He was fol- 

 lowed by a little boy with a bag, 

 to receive such alms as might be 

 bestowed upon him. 



I inquired what this strange 

 individual was supposed to be, 

 and was informed he was a 

 "sham devil," and afterward as- 

 certained that his functions were 

 to frighten away the devils who 

 haunted the woods. 



Those haunting the woods of 

 Kibokwe are rejjuted to be both 

 numerous and powerful, and each 

 possesses its own particular district. They are supposed to be 

 very jealous of each other, and should one meet an opposition 

 demon in its district, its annoyance is so great that it goes away 

 to seek some place over which it may hold undisputed sway. 

 "Sham devils" are supposed to closely resemble real devils, 

 and, by showing themselves in their reported haunts, make 

 them move to some other locality. In consequence, they are 

 well paid by the inhabitants ; and, being also the fetich-men of 

 the tribe, they enjoy a comfortable income. 



On the 21st of September we left Mona Peho's ; and, before 

 starting, I was informed that we should meet a European trader 

 on the road, but who he was nobody knew. I was, of course, 

 very anxious to see this strange trader or traveler, and solve the 

 mystery. 



BUAM DEVIL AT MOXA TEHO 8. 



