104 
HOME LIFE OF THE AFRICAN 
Children are longed for, as increase of family brings dignity and 
source of future wealth. 
Either sex is welcomed, though more especially a boy, as one 
who will carry on the father’s name and title. But a girl baby is 
not despised, as in some countries. She will be wealthy some day 
REJOICING ON THE BIRTH OP A BABY. 
when sold to a husband. In the meanwhile, she is useful as a 
servant. 
Only the deformed and monstrosities are destroyed. In a few 
tribes twins are regarded as monstrosities, and are, therefore, 
destroyed and the mother is punished with exile. Where twins 
are welcomed, they are regarded with special consideration. Many 
ceremonies are performed to ward from them witchcraft efil. They 
are always given the same names. When, therefore, we meet with 
adults, named, e. g,, Ivaha (Wish) and Ayenive (the Unseen), we 
know that they are either one of twins, or were named for a twin 
relative. 
