234 



THE LAKE KEGIONS OF CENTRAL AFRICA. 



the Wasagara, — with their chief sub-tribe the Wakwivi, 

 — and the Wahehe ; the latter a small body inhabiting 

 the south-western corner, and extending into the plains 

 below. 



The limits of the Wasagara have already been laid 

 down by the names of the plundering tribes that sur- 

 round them. These mountaineers, though a noisy and 

 riotous race, are not overblessed with courage : they 

 will lurk in the jungle with bows and arrows to surprise 

 a stray porter ; but they seem ever to be awaiting an 

 attack — the best receipt for inviting it. In the higher 

 slopes they are fine, tall and sturdy men ; in the low 

 lands they appear as degraded as the Wak'hutu. They 

 are a more bearded race than any other upon this line 

 of East Africa, and, probably from extensive inter- 

 course with the Wamrima, most of them understand 

 the language of the coast. The women are remarkable 

 for a splendid development of limb, whilst the bosom is 

 lax and pendent. 



The Wasagara display great varieties of complexion, 

 some being almost black, whilst the others are chocolate- 

 coloured. This difference cannot be accounted for by the 

 mere effects of climate — level and temperature. Some 

 shave the head ; others wear the Arab's shushah, a kind of 

 skull-cap growth, extending more or less from the poll. 

 Amongst them is seen, for the first time on this line, the 

 classical coiffure of ancient Egypt. The hair, allowed to 

 attain its fullest length, is twisted into a multitude of 

 the thinnest ringlets, each composed of two thin lengths 

 wound together ; the wiry stiffness of the curls keeps 

 them distinct and in position. Behind, a curtain of 

 pigtails hangs down to the nape ; in front the hair is 

 either combed off the forehead, or it is brought over 

 the brow and trimmed short. No head- dress has a 



