244 
TSHUKU. 
to the gods or Fetiches, and therefore a proper subject for 
immolation on the altars of their abominable worship. 
At a little distance from Obi’s dwelling, and rather 
to the right, we came unexpectedly on a large earthen 
idol, placed in a thicket suiTounded by high trees ; this 
we believe to be the image to which most of their sacri- 
fices are offered. Some persons who were near when 
we moved towards the direction of this sacred spot, 
made earnest signs for us not to approach, exclaiming, 
“ Tshuku — Tshuku,” and just as we had obtained a look 
of the figure, one of the Ju-ju men, or priests, came up 
in a menacing manner, and would not allow us to remain, 
or further to examine the neighbourhood. He appeared 
to be very much exasperated, and disposed to punish 
our temerity, which prol^ably was only escaped by the 
presence of a good double-barrelled “ Nock.” This 
jealous care of the idol, and the exclamation “ Tshuku — 
Tshuku” would lead to the supposition that it is the 
visible representation of a mysterious being or deity, 
whom they consult as an oracle under the same name. 
His votaries believe him to exist far off in the bush ; that 
he has the power of speaking and understanding all 
languages ; is cognizant of every thing that takes place 
in the world, and that he can punish evil doers. The 
priest whilst holding communion with Tshuku, is sur- 
rounded miraculously with water, and will perish 
instantaneously if he attempts to deceive. As all these 
absurd stories originate with the Ju-ju men, whose 
object is to mislead their too credulous dupes, we may 
