THE WAGOGO. 



307 



Many can converse fluently in the Kisawahili, or coast- 

 tongue. The people, however, despise all strangers 

 except the Warori and the Wahumba, and distinguish 

 the Wanyamwezi by the name of Wakonongo, which 

 they also apply to travellers in general. Within the 

 memory of man one Kafuke, of Unyamwezi, a great 

 merchant, and a Mtongi or caravan leader, when tra- 

 versing Ugogo with some thousands of followers, became 

 involved in a quarrel about paying for water. After 

 fifteen days of skirmishing, the leader was slain and the 

 party was dispersed. The effect on both tribes has 

 lasted to the present day. After the death of Kafuke 

 no rain fell for some years — a phenomenon attributed 

 by the Wagogo to his powers of magic ; and the land 

 was almost depopulated. The Wanyamwezi, on the 

 other hand, have never from that time crossed the 

 country without fear and trembling. In the many wars 

 between the two tribes the Wagogo have generally 

 proved themselves the better men. This superiority 

 has induced a brawling and bullying manner. They 

 call themselves Wana Wadege, or sons of birds — that 

 is to say, semper parati. The Wanyamwezi studiously 

 avoid offending them ; and the porters will obey the 

 command of a boy rather than risk an encounter. " He 

 is a Mgogo," said before the BobadiPs face, makes him 

 feel himself forty times a man ; yet he will fly in terror 

 before one of the Warori or the Wahumba. 



The strength of the Wagogo lies in their comparative 

 numbers. As the people seldom travel to the coast, 

 their scattered villages are full of fighting men. More- 

 over, Uchawi or black magic here numbers few be- 

 lievers, consequently those drones of the social hive, 

 the Waganga, or medicine-men, are not numerous. 

 The Wagogo seldom sell their children and relations, 



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