THE WAHHA SERV1LES. 



79 



the highlands of Urundi, not far from the principal 

 settlement of the mountain king Mwezi : here they find 

 water and pasture for their herds, and the strength of 

 the country enables them to beat off their enemies. 

 The Wahha are a comparatively fair and a not un- 

 comely race; they are however universally held to be 

 a vile and servile people ; according to the Arabs 

 they came originally from the southern regions, the 

 most ancient seat of slavery in E. Africa. Their 

 Sultans or chiefs are of Wahinda or priucely origin, 

 probably descendants from the regal race of Unyam- 

 wezi. Wahha slaves sell dearly at Msene ; an adult 

 male costs from five to six doti merkani, and a full- 

 grown girl one gorah merkani or kaniki. 



