THE PEOPLE OF THE GONGO. - OTT 
circumcision and an initiation into the rites of marriage, 
and this secret confraternity is generally composed of 
youths of varying ages, between twelve and fifteen years. 
Occasionally older men may be seen amongst them, who 
for some reason have possibly evaded the initiation at an 
earlier age. These ceremonies last for two native years 
(twelve months), and there are three or more stages of 
initiation, said to be marked 
by changes in their grass 
coverings. They chalk them- 
selves all over a ghastly 
white with some argillaceous 
earth, and do not wash once 
during their six months’ 
probation, though they often 
renew the white colouring. 
During the whole period of 
their initiation they live like 
the lilies of the field, being 
sustained at the common 
expense of the village or 
community. The Nkimba in 
a great measure live separ- 
ately from their fellow towns- 
people, and seem to avoid 
coming into contact, above 
all, with the females and 
children of the community, | 
whose presence, from the fact. 9 6&——_____—_ 
of their being without the A NKIMBA. 
arcana of sacred mystery, 1s ; 
considered undesirable and contaminating. Consequently, 
when the Nkimba are on the road they announce their 
presence by a sort of drumming noise like “dur-r-r!” and 
then all strangers—all who are not members of their 
freemasonry—are obliged to.clear out of the road. Should 
they decline to do so they are set upon by the Nkimba, 
and soundly beaten with the wands these ugly creatures 
carry. Ugly creatures indeed they are, and “they prompt 
