INHABITANTS OF GUIANA. 



35 



Like most other Guiana tribes, the Wapisianas practise the strange custom of 

 couvade. Throughout the region of the divide between the Tukutu and Essequibo 

 basins, their language has become the chief medium of trade and general inter- 

 course between the surrounding groups, even those of Carib origin. The Atorais, 

 or at least the men, have almost completely given up their own in favour of the 

 soft and sonorous Wapisiana tongue, which, being highly vocalic, is well suited for 

 oratory. 



Amongst the indigenous tribes connected with the Arawaks should perhaps 

 be included the Warraus (Guarauuos) of lîritish Guiana, who have their camping 

 grounds in the wooded alluvial tracts of the north-west, and who have partly 

 adopted Christianity. Scarce!}'' differing from those of the Orinoco delta, they live 



Fig. 10. — Indians of the Guianas. 

 Scale I : 11,000,000. 



(A) Arawaks. (C) Caribs. (T) Tupi. 

 — — ^— 186 Miles. 



like them in cabins built and entirely furnished with the wood, leaves, and fibre of 

 the Mauritia palm, from which plant they also procure their clothing, food, and 

 drink. The Warraus never perform any ablutions, in this respect differing 

 altogether from most of the other natives, who take great delight in bathing. 



When there are any family disputes to settle, the tribe gathers on some sand- 

 bank, w^here the men of all ages range themselves in two opposite rows armed with 

 shields made of the Mauritia palm. Then all advance, each facing an opponent 

 and watching his opportunity to spring forward and thrust him back. The shields 

 now meet and clash, the two antagonists planting one foot firmly on the ground, 

 and pushing with the knee of the other leg with might and main against his 

 opponent's shield. Whoever succeeds in forcing the other back from his position 



