16 



AFRICAN CURIOSITIES. 



A singular Musical Instrument, from the Slave 

 Coast, somewhat resembling the Italian Sticcado : it 

 is made of pieces of hard sonorous wood, of different 

 lengths, placed upon a frame, under which are fixed 

 gourds of various sizes. It is played upon by beating 

 it with two sticks, with balls at the end. On the 

 coast of Africa it is called Balafou; and when it is 

 played by a skilful hand, it produces an agreeable 

 harmony. 



A small kind of Sticcado, made of sonorous wood. 



An Instrument, consisting of a small square board, 

 on which are fixed pieces of very pliant wood, which, 

 on being struck, produce a musical sound. 



African King's Sceptre, in shape like a rod, being 

 made of small split pieces of bamboo cane. These 

 are valued according to their length, for by that the 

 rank of the person is known ; that of the King's being 

 made of the longest joints of bamboo that can be 

 found in his dominions. 



Curious Sword, formerly the property of a Man- 

 dingo Chief. Inclosed in the hilt is a fettish or charm, 

 to preserve the wearer's life, composed of a piece of 

 skin of the Iguana, which in that country is held 

 sacred. 



Curious Cartouch Boxes. 



A circular Fan, covered with a parchment-like skin, 

 curiously painted. 



