Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 3.djvu/148

 different race of blacks from the present, and to them are attributed the stone axes that have been picked up in various districts. But however this be, the present population has certainly immigrated from the mainland, either at some time before the arrival of the Europeans, or soon after its discovery. It consists of scattered groups approximately estimated at nearly thirty thousand, who collectively call themselves Bubi (the "Boobies" of English writers), that is, "Men," and who give the name of Achimama ("All Lands," or "Universe"), to the island. They

are probably descended from several tribes, for they speak at least five dialects of Bantu origin, like those of the neighbouring coastlands. They are a shy, timid race, greatly inferior in dignity and physical appearance to their continental kindred. They practise a coarse system of tattooing, cutting deep gashes on the face and body, which changes the naturally smooth skin to a rugged surface. They also smear themselves with red ochre mixed with palm-oil, with the same cosmetic converting the hair to a solid mass, on which is worn a headdress of Plaited herbs. Both sexes wear a tight leather thong round the left arm, reducing