384 MARRIAGES IN ANGOLA. 



yields a sweet clear liquid, not at all intoxicating while 

 fresh, but, when allowed to stand till the afternoon, causes 

 inebriation and many crimes. This toddy, called maloba, 

 is the bane of the country. Culprits are continually 

 brought before the commandants for assaults, committed 

 through its influence. Men come up with deep gashes on 

 their heads, and one, who had burned his father's house, 

 I saw making a profound bow to Mr. Canto, and volun- 

 teering to explain why he did the deed. 



There is also a sort of fraternity of freemasons, named 

 Empacasseiros, into which no one is admitted unless he is 

 an expert hunter, and can shoot well with the gun. They 

 are distinguished by a fillet of buffalo-hide around then- 

 heads, and are employed as messengers in all cases re- 

 quiring express. They are very trustworthy, and, when 

 on active service, form the best native troops the Portu- 

 guese possess. The militia are of no value as soldiers, 

 but cost the country nothing, being supported by their 

 wives. Their duties are chiefly to guard the residences 

 of commandants, and to act as police. 



The chief recreations of the natives of Angola are 

 marriages and funerals. When a young woman is about 

 to be married, she is placed in a hut alone, and anointed 

 with various unguents, and many incantations are em- 

 ployed, in order to secure good fortune and fruitfulness. 

 Here, as almost everywhere in the south, the height of 

 good fortune is to bear sons. They often leave a husband 

 altogether, if they have daughters only. In their dances, 

 when any one may wish to deride another, in the accom- 

 panying song a line is introduced, " So-and-so has no 

 children, and never will get any." She feels the insult so 

 keenly, that it is not uncommon for her to rush away and 

 commit suicide, iifter some days, the bride elect is 

 taken to another hut, and adorned with all the richest 

 clothing and ornaments that the relatives can either lend 

 or borrow. She is then placed in a public situation, 

 saluted as a lady, and presents made by all her acquaint- 

 ances are placed around her. After this she is taken to 

 the residence of her husband, where she has a hut for 

 herself, and becomes one of several wives, for polygamy is 

 general. Dancing, feasting, and drinking on such occa- 

 sions are prolonged for several days. In case of separation, 

 the woman returns to her father's family, and the husband 

 receives back what he gave for her. In nearly all cases a 



