The Eastern Congo 



(2) The p robationers may not have their hair cut whilst 

 they are undergoing probation. 



(3) The Maganza wear round their neck a heavy collar 

 made of palm-wine tree (raphia) fibres. 



(4) During the period of probation the Maganza are for- 

 bidden to look at any of the large beasts of the forests, such 

 as buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, under penalty of being 

 flagellated for their so doing. 



If a Maganza should come across such a beast, dead 

 or stricken down, he must immediately inform his father 

 or a near relative, who would at once repair to the spot in 

 order to remove the head and the feet of the animal and hide 

 them. When this has been done the rest of the carcass may 

 be looked at. 



(5) Whilst they are on probation the newly initiated may 

 not approach a woman or even look at her. 



The Maduali 

 The Maduali — also called Nyama ya Mambela — which 

 means " the Beast of the Mambela " — is nothing else but 

 the fetish entrusted to the custody of the Tata-ka-mamhela. 

 In other words, it is a roughly carved piece of wood representing 

 the sacred bird Nasasa. When rain is wanted, or when 

 it has been raining too long, or upon the occasion of certain 

 festivals, they remove a few pieces from the Maduali figure- 

 head, cover them with fohage, and the men go in procession 

 through the village, singing and shouting. Women and 

 children must keep away and not look at the Maduali. 



Evolution of the Mambela Rite. 

 (i) The Mambela rite is observed by all the Wabali 



202 



