KAFFIR OBSERVANCES. 
267 
white. A number of dresses are then provided, 
painted of the same colour, snow-white. These 
dresses are composed of reeds, strung side by 
side through one end, on a piece of sinew or 
leather, and similar thongs are passed through 
them at intervals, so as to make them to resem- 
ble flat stiff mats. By drawing the strings at 
the extremities tight, they form these into bell- 
shaped garments, and fasten them on their 
bodies ; one round the middle reaching to the 
knees; one round the neck reaching to the 
elbows ; and one round each arm and leg, fast- 
ened on, respectively, at the elbows and knees, 
and reaching to the extremities of the figure. 
A large cap, formed of rushes, is placed on 
the head, tied into a point at the top, (which 
is about two feet above the head) and this also 
is painted white. Long sticks are then given 
to them to carry in their hands, and dressed in 
these costumes, they go about until the next 
moon; these solemnities being always com- 
menced at one, and concluded at the following 
full moon. 
When the latter comes round, they assemble 
again in the cattle "kraal'" oxen are killed ; 
and there is a great display of feasting and 
dancing. Each person is then taken out in 
rotation, the white paint is washed from their 
bodies, their white-washed clothes are taken 
