26 
THE SIFTING-MAT. 
2 March, 
and was not without some personal vanity, as may be concluded from 
her wearing a great number of leathern bracelets, and a pair of cowry 
shells hanging from her forehead, similar to the ivory ornaments 
described on a former occasion * ; and to which was added a large 
copper ring in each ear. The beads, which were displayed upon her 
cap, were arranged not without some taste, and with great attention 
to regularity. Her child, of which she was very careful and fond, 
seemed to be at least eight months old, and was never, during the 
whole day, removed from her back. It was supported there by one of 
the hinder aprons, turned up and tied over the shoulder ; and in 
this situation the poor little infant was sucivled, by bringing its head 
forward under the mother's arm. 
At her back also she carried a roll of skins : these being spread 
on the ground at night, served both for bedding and for a protection 
from the dampness of the earth. To this load were added a sifting- 
mat, and three sticks about five feet in length, used either for assist- 
ing in walking, or for digging up the wild roots which she might 
happen to observe on the way. 
These sifting-mats are about three feet long and two broad, ex- 
tended by a stick tied along each side, and by others fastened to them 
transversely. They are made in the same manner as other mats, 
excepting that the rushes are not so close together. When a spot of 
ground is met with, where abundance of little roots are to be foundf , 
the earth is broken up and carefully sifted with these mats ; by which 
The figure on the right hand is represented with a leathern kaross wrapped close 
about her, as it is usually held in cold weather. The cap is also of leather, and orna- 
mented with beads, as here described. In her ear are two small copper ornaments of 
Bichuana manufacture, better represented in the 37th vignette, and more particularly 
explained in that place. 
The figure on the left is clothed in a sheep-skin kaross ; and wears a copper ring in 
each ear, two cowry shells pendent from a lock of hair on her forehead, and a row of 
buttons surrounding the head and fixed also to the hair. The crown of the head is 
shaved bare; this being considered a very becoming fashion for girls and young women. 
* Vol. I. page 414'. 
f The roots of Cyperus usitatus, called Boschman's uyentjes, (see Vol.1, p. 417.) are 
those which are most plentiful in this part of the country. 
