144 BLOOD RELATIONS. 



of the bright clothes which are sometimes exposed to their view, 

 and men or women think themselves splendidly attired if they 

 can get a few feet of such an article to wrap about the neck or 

 body. There is much regard paid to salutations and the form- 

 ing of friendships. Parties approaching each other are expected 

 to stoop down and take up some sand and rub it on the arms 

 and breast. There are gradations in these salutations, however, 

 as in other matters. Great chiefs, for instance, only pretend to 

 take up the sand, and do not really put any on the arms or 

 breast ; whereas one who is very polite, or desires to be con- 

 sidered so, carries a sort of white powder with him, and rubbing 

 that on his arms and breast, exhibits it to the person whom he 

 accosts; then, stooping down, places first one cheek then the 

 other on the ground, the meantime clapping his hands joyfully. 

 In many respects the people of Balonda won greatly on the 

 appreciation of Livingstone. Their kindness and manliness 

 and politeness were more apparent as he became better ac- 

 quainted with their customs. His lady captain busied her- 

 self now in more womanly duties, and was quite assiduous in 

 providing such food as the doctor could eat, and proved herself 

 no less a gentle friend than a bold escort. Friendships among 

 the Balonda is a matter of great importance, and is sealed with 

 a most solemn ceremony. The parties who have agreed to be- 

 come particular friends sit down fronting each other ; beside 

 each is placed a cup of beer. With a sharp knife slight gashes 

 are then made in the clasped hands, the pit of the stomach, the 

 right cheek and the forehead of each. A blade of grass is then 

 pressed by each into his own wounds, and the blood is washed 

 from the grass in the beer. The parties then exchange the 

 cups, so that each shall drink the other's blood. After this 

 ceremony they are blood relations. The friends of each who 

 may be present are expected to share the beer. The most pre- 

 cious gifts are exchanged, and the friends are bound for any 

 emergency, and are pledged to assist each other in every possi- 

 ble manner. "We can hardly pass such a ceremony without 

 remembering the blood of Him to whom all Christians pledge 

 themselves as often as they taste the emblematical wine which 

 he called his blood. We are his blood relations bound in 

 sacred obligation. 



