1868.] NATIVE SUPERSTITIONS. 353 



3rd December. — A party went to-day to clear the way 

 to the north, but were warmly received by Babemba with 

 arrows; they came back with one woman captured, and 

 they say that they killed one man: one of themselves 

 is wounded, and many others in danger : others who went 

 east were shot at, and wounded too. 



Mli December. — A party went east, and were fain to flee 

 from the Babemba, the same thing occurred on our west, 

 and to-day (5th) all were called to strengthen the stockade 

 for fear that the enemy may enter uninvited. The slaves 

 would certainly flee, and small blame to them though they 

 did. Mpamari proposed to go off north by night, but his 

 people objected, as even a child crying would arouse the 

 Babemba, and reveal the flight, so finally he sent off to 

 ask Syde what he ought to do, whether to retire by day or 

 by night; probably entreating Syde to come and protect 

 him. 



A sort of idol is found in every village in this part, it is 

 of wood, and represents the features, markings and fashion 

 of the hair of the inhabitants : some have little huts built 

 for them — others are in common houses. The Babemba 

 call them Nhisi (" Sancan " of the Arabs) : the people of 

 Kua name one Kalubi ; the plural, Tulubi ; and they present 

 pombe, flour, bhang, tobacco, and light a fire for them to 

 smoke by. They represent the departed father or mother, 

 and it is supposed that they are pleased with the offerings 

 made to their representatives, but all deny that they pray 

 to them. Casembe has very many of these Nkisi ; one with 

 long hair, and named Motombo, is carried in front when he 

 takes the field ; names of dead chiefs are sometimes given 

 to them. I have not met with anyone intelligent enough 

 to explain if prayers are ever made to anyone : the Arabs 

 who know their language, say they have no prayers, and 

 think that at death there is an end of the whole man, but 

 other things lead me to believe this is erroneous. Slaves 

 vol. i. 2 a 



