48 
In the Heart of Africa 
people with an almost ideal physique. Heights of i.8o, 2-00, 
and even 2-20 metres (from 5 ft. ii^ in. to 7 ft. 2^^ in.) are of 
quite common occurrence, yet the perfect proportion of their 
bodies is in no wise detracted from. Whilst the shoulders are 
generally powerfully built, the waist is at times extraordinarily 
slender. The hands are elegant and delicate in form, the wrists 
of an almost feminine grace. They possess that same graceful 
indolence in their gait which is peculiar to Oriental peoples, and 
their bronze-brown skin reminds one of the inhabitants of the 
more hilly parts of northern Africa. Their heads are eminently 
characteristic. Unmistakable evidences of a foreign strain are 
betrayed in their high foreheads, the curve of their nostrils, and 
the fine oval shape of their faces. 
The affairs of the country are administered by a number of 
subordinate chiefs (Watuales), also Watussi or Wahima, who 
are superintendents of districts, yet are always subject to the 
supreme control of the ruler, who springs from the old Watussi 
race, the Bega.* Frequent interviews with the “Mami” necessi¬ 
tate many journeys to his residence, and it seems that at such 
times great quantities of nsoga have to be consumed, to facili¬ 
tate the unravelling of awkward problems and to determine the 
measures to be taken. This is a brew concocted from bananas 
with malted red sorghum (Chinese sugar-cane), and manufac¬ 
tured at Kinjaruanda. The Sultan’s court is at such times often 
the scene of wild orgies, tumult and beating of drums, which 
on occasion continue all night. 
Similarly to their sovereign ruler, the Watuales are descended 
from various distinguished families or clans. These clans hold 
land, pay taxes to the Sultan, are keen to avenge the bloodshed 
of kinsmen, and possess a totem, some object of adoration which 
usually takes the shape of an animal or a plant. 
The vendetta, according to Czekanowski, is the real bond of 
union which cements these clans. If it did not exist they would 
collapse. In districts where these clans intermingle, and the 
members of any special family cannot congregate without quarrel- 
♦ It may be mentioned that there is a Bedja race existent in Nubia. 
