Wanika. 1 1 7 
join with all the lung and throat power they possess, 
leaping and dancing in time, the males creating 
an ear-splitting clatter by slapping the fleshy part of 
the left arm with the open palm of the right hand. At 
certain stages the individual in the centre chooses 
any one from the circle for a little flirtation by them- 
selves, which done, the first returns to the ranks, 
leaving to the latter the privilege of pursuing a 
similar course. This kind of thing is often carried on 
without intermission for several days together. 
"Sayo" is another kind of dance indulged by the 
young. In this case the head and shoulders of all 
who join in it are painted red, dotted with white, and 
they are otherwise elaborately got up. A peculiar 
method of clapping the hands, by a horizontal move- 
ment, with arms bent and elbows stuck out, is the 
chief characteristic of this dance. Ndaro" is the 
Kinika war-song, and is only practiced on rare and 
great occasions, when national interests are con- 
cerned. In this performance there is a combination 
of the wildest attitudes, the most ferocious demon- 
strations, grotesque expressions of countenance, and 
terrific sounds imaginable ; once seen and heard it 
is never forgotten. 
Here a few words may be in place regarding births, 
marriages, deaths, funerals, etc. Births are occasions 
of great joy, as much of females as of males. Unlike 
some orientals, the Wanika do not object to 
daughters ; they rather like them. Sons are expen- 
sive, they bring nothing in, and wives have to be 
procured for them. Daughters, on the other hand, do 
a great deal of work when at home, and always bring 
to the parents a sum of money, more or less, at 
