THE LANDAMAS AND NALOUS. 153 
These tribes are entirely idolaters, or worshippers of 
fetishes. The Foulahs of Fouta-Dhialon have subjected them 
to their dominion, but they have chosen rather to become 
tributaries to the almamy,* than to renounce their ancient 
superstition and adopt Mahometanism. 
The tribute is received by the chief of Labe, who for- 
wards it to Tembo. The chief of the Landamas receives 
himself the tribute which his subjects destine for the al- 
mamy, every one contributing according to his means. The 
sovereignty remains always in the same family, but the son 
never succeeds his father ; they choose, in preference, a son 
of the king's sister, conceiving that by this method, the 
sovereign power is more sure to be transmitted to one of the 
blood royal; a precaution which shows how little faith is 
put in the virtue of the women of this country. 
Amongst the tribes on the banks of the Rio Nunez 
there is a secret society, not unlike that of the freemasons. 
It has a head, who is called the Simo ; he makes laws, and 
they are executed under his authority. This Simo lives in 
the woods, and is never seen by the uninitiated ; he is at- 
tended by pupils who are partly initiated in the mysteries. 
Sometimes he assumes the form of a pelican, sometimes he 
is wrapped up in the skins of wild beasts, and sometimes 
covered from head to foot with leaves, which conceal his 
real shape. 
Novices may be initiated at several different times of 
the year. The families in several different villages, who 
wish to have their children admitted, collect all the boys 
between the ages of twelve and fourteen, and send for the 
Simo, He comes to the place in disguise, to circumcise 
the children, none but candidates being present at the ope- 
ration ; the ceremony is accompanied by a great feast, at 
the expense of the parents, who contribute according to their 
* Almamy is the name given to the kings of many of these countries. 
