on the Countries of Congo and Loango, SIT 
with this he reels about in every possible direction, writhing 
his body into the most extraordinary attitudes. His whole 
countenance becomes distorted, and expressive of the strongest 
agitation, which, with the fixed stare of his eyes, gives him all 
the appearance of a maniac. This state of violent exertion 
having continued about three minutes, another starts up in liis 
stead, and endeavours, if possible, to outdo him in the frantic 
display of violent and unnatural motions. When the dancers 
have thus exhibited their talents, the conference is opened. Du- 
ring the continuance of the Sanga, the whole group applaud 
each performer, and clap their hands in approbation of his skill 
and dexterity. 
Dress. — -The ordinary dress of the men in all the countries 
between Cape Lopez and Benguela, is similar, and extremely 
simple : It consists of four or five yards of coarse European 
manufacture. Or as many grass-cloths sewed together as may be 
requisite. When folded round the lower part of the body, it 
is fastened above the loins by a few yards of red or blue 
cloth tied in a large knot. This garment reaches to the mid- 
dle of the leg ; the upper part is turned down over the belt, 
and the ends meet on ihe left thigh, the corners touching the 
ground. A cat’s skin, an indispensable article of dress, hangs 
in front : the head, by which it is suspended, is turned down- 
wards over the knot, and at its mouth usually hang a number 
of hawk-bells, keys, ami other trinkets. A large tobacco-pipe, 
a knife or dagger, and a fitish, are secured beneath the belt. 
These, with a bracelet of ivory or brass on each wrist, a piece 
of iron-chain on the ankles, and a common worsted cap lying 
loosely on the head, complete the dress. The latter article, 
however, is seldom worn by the chiefs, whose whole costume, on 
days of ceremony, consists of much finer materials. In addition 
to the other parts of their dress, they wear the grass-cap and 
shawl on these occasions : their legs and arms are decorated with 
ivory and brass bracelets, which, with a quantity of fitishes sus- 
pended from the left shoulder, make a dreadful noise. The 
hair, which is commonly worn short, is ingeniously^ shaven in a 
very singular manner : The head is divided, as it were, into 
.compartments, of which, each alternate one is cut out and the 
