El^UNOLOGV OF THE PRESENT DAY. 237 



animal kino-doms, the country possessed at one time an abundance of pure 

 gold, and hence the name of the coast. Tliis rich source of the precious 

 metal has, however, been ahnost exhausted by Europeans. The Negroes 

 of the Gold Coast are not like those on the Senegal and Gambia, but are 

 quite as well formed. Their complexion is a deep shining black, the eyes 

 sparkling, and the teeth white. In youth these negroes endeavor to check 

 the growth of hair upon the face ; at a more advanced age, however, many 

 wear handsome curled beards. The hair of the head is shaved off, with 

 the exception of a tuft upon the crown. Women ornament this tuft with 

 gay-colored feathers and gold pins, and usually paint their bodies with 

 white figures, whilst their faces are mostly decorated with blue and green. 

 Among both sexes, the greater part of the body is unclothed. Metal rings 

 encircle the legs and arms. The weapons are spears, bows and arrows, 

 guns and knives, and shields for defence against the assault of an enemy. 

 Besides their arms, they attach to their persons a vessel in which the 

 provisions are kept, a calabash to be used for drinking, and, when setting 

 out for battle, a strong bast rope for tying their captives. Warriors some- 

 times wear on their heads the dried scalp of a slain animal, which they 

 smear with blood. 



The habitations, which are round, consist of wicker-work covered with 

 loam, and have roofs of palm branches. A bunch of rushes projects at 

 the top like a crest. As every house has but a single apartment, every 

 family usually possesses several dwellings, which are inclosed by a hedge. 

 Men of rank, accustomed to luxury, however, in consequence of intercourse 

 with Europeans, have larger houses with several rooms. 



Owing to the fertility of the soil, the cultivation of the earth gives but 

 little trouble. The Gold Coast Negroes are not unskilful smiths, and now 

 even manufacture guns. Neat baskets, mats, and parasols are plaited by 

 them with considerable dexterity. They are not particular in the selection 

 of food, and eat many animals that civilized people would not willingly 

 touch. In their disposition they exhibit, like all the natives that associate 

 with Europeans, the strongest mixture of good and bad. They are mild, 

 sympathizing, hospitable, but in a high degree slaves to their sensual 

 desires, sacrificing everything to their gratification. At the same time 

 they are proud, and oppress wherever they are able to domineer. As 

 enemies they are implacable, and their thirst for revenge is great. The 

 slave trade hardens them ; the desire for fire-water, the brandy of Europe- 

 ans, smothers in them all delicate feelings : but notwithstanding all this, 

 they love and take great care of their children. Like all negroes, they 

 give themselves up to sluggish repose ; and if they own slaves, the latter are 

 obliged to perform all the work. In case they have none, the greater part 

 of the labor falls upon the women. All negroes are exceedingly fond of 

 dancing. At times, also, a kind of pantomimic representation is given. 

 Games of hazard are often played with great passion ; and many a man 

 stakes his entire property and estate, and indeed even his liberty. Almost 

 every village has its ruler or king, who, however, has no particular marks 

 of distinction, unless intercourse with Europeans has induced him to adopt 



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