Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 3.djvu/546

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WEST AFRICA.

means of interwoven vegetable fibre. Formerly the native garb was made of bast, which has now been almost everywhere replaced by woven fabrics imported from Zanzibar. Brass wire armlets and greaves, as well as glass beads, are much worn,

Fig. 225. — Chief Routes of Explorers in the Congo Basin east of Tanganyika.

and to these the chiefs add two long ivory sheaths, which they clash together to encourage their men on the battlefield.

In the conduct of domestic affairs the division of labour is complete, the men looking after the flocks and poultry, the women attending to the gardens and fields. In some districts one of the twins is killed and replaced by a calabash in the cradle of the survivor. The inheritance passes, not to the nephew, as amongst so many tribes where matriarchal customs are partly maintained, but to the direct issue, and in preference to illegitimate children.