Suahili-La7id and the Wasitahili. 59 
are rather tastefully ornamented with interlacing 
of coloured leather. Such is the Msuahili of the 
male gender when completely dressed. In his peram- 
bulations about town he carries either his upanga 
(sword) or a bakora (walking-stick). He deems 
himself a superb grandee. 
In his person the Msuahili is scrupulously clean, 
certain washings being necessary in order to- fit him 
for attendance upon the service of the mosque. He 
shaves off the hair of his head, usually keeps his 
beard well trimmed, and his upper lip is so shaved 
that the merest pencil-like mark is all that remains 
of his mustache. He blackens his eyes with antimony, 
and perfumes himself to the highest pitch. 
Of course there are many modifications of this 
dress and get-up. The kansu and skull-cap are all 
that is worn in doors, and often all that is worn out 
of doors. The loin cloth has not seldom to do service 
alone, even among respectable people ; while, with re- 
gard to the slave, it is all that he can procure. Some 
slaves, however, do better, and now and then they 
make as grand an appearance as their masters. 
The better class of women wear suruali (trousers), 
and kansus of coloured material. Upon their heads 
they bind, so as to hide their hair, silk handkerchiefs, 
or wear caps spangled with gold. Tunics, tastefully 
embroidered, are also worn, and Muhammadan deli- 
cacy requires that this class should be masked. 
Sandals of leather, but sometimes wood, or clogs, 
adorn the feet. Out of doors a large square black 
silk mantle is thrown over all, but women of this grade 
are seldom seen abroad. 
The majority of the women dress in far inferior 
