ETHIOPIAN RaCE 



A Bisharee Woman. 



Ethiopians. 



"The Ethiopian race," says Dr. Pickering, "is in some measure intermediate in personal appearance 

 between the Telingan and the Negro. The complexion, too, seems generally darker than in the Telingan 

 race, holding the third rank in depth of hue. The hair is crisped, but fine in its texture ; and I have 

 never seen it wiry, as in the Papuan; from which latter race the Ethiopian differs, in having a soft skin 

 and European-like features. 



"Various modern travellers have-been struck with the resemblance of the Ethiopian to the Telingan 

 race. The same circumstance was noticed in ancient times by Herodotus, who also speaks of the remark- 

 able beauty of those living south-west of Arabia ; an opinion in which, from actual observation, I am now 

 prepared to concur. 



" The Ethiopian race occupies the hottest countries of Africa. Most of its tribes are purely pastoral; and 

 some of them are, perhaps, alone acquainted with all the recesses of the Great Desert. The only portions 

 of the race that are known to lead an agricultural life are the Nubians of the Nile, and some of the 

 tribes bordering on the table-land of Abyssinia. 



"Characteristic portraits of Ethiopians may be found in various works on Egypt and Nubia; and I would 

 refer particular]}' to the figures given in Hoskin's Travels on the Upper Nile. 



" The Ethiopian race was not seen in its purity during the voyage of the Exploring Expedition, but it 

 was doubtless present among some of the mixed Arabs at Singapore. My acquaintance with it commenced 

 on the day of my landing in Egypt." 



Dr. Pickering had opportunities of examining the Nubians. He ascended the Nile, and observed the 

 Barabra of the Nile, and the Barabra of the Desert. Among the latter are the Bisharee tribe. Of them 

 he says: 



" In returning down the river, I fell in with the Shekh of the Ababdeh, who was reported to hold 

 authority likewise over the Bishareen. His personal appearance was indicative of mixed Arab descent, 

 but I did not learn the history of his family. He wore a turban, in consequence, as he said, of being on 

 his way to Cairo; but he intended on his return, to dress his hair after the fashion of his own country. 

 He was well acquainted with Soakin, where he had seen some of the Somali ; and he spoke of the Kostan, 

 as being an extremely troublesome and ferocious people. He was particularly desirous of ascertaining why 

 Europeans came so far to look at antiquities ; and on learning that hieroglyphic characters could be read, 

 he considered himself in possession of the secret. 



" The Bishareen dwell in the district to the southward of the Ababdeh, and situated in like manner 

 eastward of the Nile. Two individuals seen at Assouan enabled me to identify the physical race. One of 

 them wore a pin for dressing the hair, similar to the Fejeean, but shorter and curved." 

 r-2^ 3 



