WOMEN'S RIGHTS. 377 



they always remain true to the Zande peculiarities, habits, and 

 customs ; therefore the difference is all the more remarkable 

 which exists between their women and the women of the true 

 Zande, who are of the same original stock. Whereas the 

 Zande women possess an extremely retiring and modest dis- 

 position, are hardly to be seen upon entering a village, and 

 are greatly respected by their husbands, although they have 

 no women's rights besides those of performing their household 

 duties, the Makraka women rule the roost and possess every 

 freedom. As soon as you enter one of their villages, the 

 women, who are mostly tall and of a very powerful build, 

 attract attention, and it soon becomes evident that they speak 

 the last word in the affairs of the village. They are, neverthe- 

 less, good, industrious workwomen, and are very much attached 

 to their husbands. I must, however, refrain from touching on 

 the subject of family life, although many interesting customs 

 obtain here, for Dr. Junker, who has lived for a considerable 

 time in this country, will of course be able to treat of this 

 subject in a more thorough and detailed manner than I could 

 possibly do after a stay of only three days. I will only say, 

 therefore, in conclusion, that the dialect spoken by the Makraka- 

 Iddio differs very little from that spoken by the remainder of 

 the Zande, with the exception of a few isolated names for 

 plants and animals. Their love of music and enthusiastic 

 pursuit of it are the same as amongst the other Zande tribes, 

 and many of their magic practices are also identical. They 

 are likewise excellent smiths and workers in iron, and their 

 elegantly formed knives and delicate wirework are models of 

 excellent workmanship. 



