400 
AGGRl BKADS. 
from the influence of the prophet’s followers, the same 
mode of disfiguring the eyelids was found. Now, we 
can scarcely imagine that they would have adopted a 
troublesome fashion, which at best could have but 
slight distinction on their dark skins, if they had not 
at some period noticed it, as in use among a lighter 
coloured and more civilized people. 
Many, therefore, are the coincidences between the 
institutions and customs of the swarthy negro and 
those of the ancient Coptic family of the same conti- 
nent; and in pursuing the question of their former con- 
nexion, we might also adduce proofs from several of the 
manufactures, or rather from identity of design, in their 
Hide attempts at imitation. Thus we call attention to 
the narrow-woven cloth, with a blue border, the figure 
and outline of their swords, daggers*, cowrie and brass 
armlets, the carthern lamps, musical instruments, met 
with at Iddah and Ashanti, and other places; the 
shape and texture of the palm-leaf baskets, the cre- 
scentic middle portion of the African stools, so similar 
to the head-stools of the Copts, &c. Lastly, as a direct 
proof of the intercourse between these (so diflferently 
* The daggers figured in Sir G. Wilkinson’s Egyptians, 1st series, 
vol i. p. 318, not only resemble very much in their conformation those 
in use among the inhabitants of the Upper Niger, but the mode of 
decorating the blade -with cross marks is also an indication whence 
the latter was borrowed. The daggers, number 3 and 7, at p. 406, of 
Wilkinson’s 1st series, vol. i,, p. 406, shew also an evident resem- 
blance. 
