Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 3.djvu/581

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THE BA-TEKE.
479

the grasshoppers, the "Ba-Teke food," as they are called. Insects are taken by firing the grass, and the Ba-Teke are also partial to smoked toads, although preferring

Fig. 245. — Inhabitants of the French Congo.

to all other meat the roasted larvæ of certain species of butterflies. In time of war they also still practise cannibalism, eating the captives and slain in battle.

Despite their frugal fare the Ba-Teke are brave workers, taking their share with