494 
MAHUTU, THE CHIEF'S WIFE. 
31 July, 
continued always to persist in bis refusal. As his obstinacy in this 
respect, was never to be overcome by any solicitation, or by any offers 
of presents however great, there is little doubt that it arose from some 
superstitious belief connected with himself personally as Chief. 
The eighth plate * gives a representation of Mahutu ; but is not 
to be viewed as a specimen of genuine Bichuana features, as she pos- 
sessed more of the Kora, than of the Bachapin, countenance. The 
dress here given, is exactly that which she then wore ; nor was she 
ever, during my abode at Litakun, seen dressed or ornamented in any 
other manner. 
Mattivi had two wives, and several children. The eldest son 
who, according to the Bachapin law in such cases, was to succeed 
him as Chief, appeared to be about fifteen, a handsome well-propor- 
tioned lad, and of a pleasing countenance ; but I seldom saw him, or 
indeed any of the other children ; as these were too young to be 
brought forward, or to attract much notice or attention. 
Just before my departure from Cape Town, the Governor made 
a special request, that on my arrival among the tribes of the Interior, 
I would make all possible inquiry, for the purpose of ascertaining 
whether Dr. Cowan, or any of the persons who accompanied him f , 
were yet alive ; and that, in the case of my obtaining the desirable 
intelligence that he or any of his party were still in existence, I would 
endeavour by all means in my power, to give them assistance, should 
they be in a situation to require it, or in which it might be practicable 
to afford help : or that, if on the other hand I should not be able to 
* This plate requires here but little explanation, as the general desci'iption of 
the female dress and ornaments, in the eighteenth chapter, will render every part of 
the engraving sufficiently intelligible. It may at present be merely repeated, that the 
bonnet-like appearance on her head, is produced by the peculiar mode in which the 
Bachapin women dress their hah: The color here shown, is occasioned by the sibiilo 
with which it is powdered. (See page 256.) In her ear is a piece of reed, slightly orna- 
mented with lines cut upon it. She wore a necklace of several strings of porcelain beads ; 
and another of the sinews or entrails of animals, twisted into a thick cord. Her Icobo, or 
cloak, is of that kind which has been described (page 350.) as composed of a great 
number of skins of small animals of the weasel, or cat, genus. 
f Some particulars of this expedition have already been given in the first volume, at 
page 50. 
