Chapter III. 



and a few women thev are not loaded with necklaces and 

 bracelets. 



Many a traveller has been astonished by their complex social 

 order, a \erital)le feudal system, while in their legends and 

 traditions, in the desiirns of their household utensils made of 

 plaited grass, in the form of their musical string instruments, in 

 their astronomical symbols carved upon horns, and in certain 

 l)uri;d rites, indications have been suggested of relations and 

 contact with ancient Egypt. 



VISIT OF A CHIEF WITH HIS COURT, BRINGING PRESENTS. 



The Bagaiida have preserved tlie history of their ancient 

 dynasty bv pure verbal tradition. It consists of thirty-six 

 names of kings, and must date back as far as the fourteenth or 

 fifteenth century. 



The Suahili portcns formed a smaller part of the caravan 

 than the Baganda. The Sualiili are a cross between Arabs 

 and Bantu negroes. Coming oiiginally from tlie coast, they 

 are now scattered t)ver tlic whole of Central Africa. 



82 



