278 CHIEFS & CITIES OF CENTRAL AFRICA 



large, round one that hung from his neck, which he 

 struck on the wooden back, as he was unable to 

 reach its skin face. 



The ahgata is not a Fikan instrument, and the band 

 included only one specimen. It did not take the lead- 

 ing part, as it usually does, but was 

 superseded by one of four very fine cow- 

 horns. This instrument-^ rests on the 

 top of the left arm, is played through 

 a side embouchure, and is stopped with 

 the right hand — different notes being 

 obtained by the degrees of stopping, 

 as on the same principle with the 

 French horn. 



The excellence of a player is, how- 

 ever, judged not so much by the sounds 

 that he produces, but by the contor- 

 tions he is able to adopt the while. 

 The principal performer was wonderful. He lay on 

 his back and rolled from side to side, kicking his 

 legs in the air without ceasing to play. 



From time to time some one of the audience would 

 show his appreciation by a gift of kola-nuts or cowries, 

 and the recipient would kircuddie after him with an 

 expression of rapt admiration in his mobile jester's face. 

 Presently another weird figure leapt into the circle. 

 Red, yellow, and white stripes were painted on his 

 cheeks and forehead. A quilted cap, decked with tin 

 plates and a cloth streamer, and further covered with 

 animals' teeth and claws, was set on his head. In one 

 hand he carried a large straw hat, in the other a sword, 



1 The Fikans claim that their forefathers brought similar instruments 

 from Yemen. 



HOEN. 



