Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 4.djvu/440

 856 SOUTH AND EAST AFRICA. TiiK Waruvus and Watavetas. Between the Wasambaras and Wuzeguhas, the islands in the Pangani are inhabited by the Waruvus (Wa-Ruvu), that is to say, "River People," who con- stitute a distinct tribe differing in speech and customs from their neighbours. These Wuruvus have established themselves in their insular strongholds in order to avoid the attacks of the Masai freebooters, who roam over the extensive plains stretchinj^ 8)uth wards in the direction of Ugogo. Their island retreats are reaehefl by the shepherds, with their flocks of sheep and gouts, by means of rieketty plankings resting on stems of the dum-palni, while the animals cross over by swinmiing. The Waruvus are regarded by all the surrounding populations as powerful fetishmen, very skilful in chanuiTig the crocodiles that infest these waters. Hence the Mohannncdin caravan peopK^, not satisfied with invoking Allah against the rapacious saurians, also appeal to the Waruvu magicians, who throw a potent "medicine" into the stream and thereby make the reptiles harmless It is popu- larly believe 1 that no caravan entrusted to a Waruvu guide has ever met with any accident in crossing the river. Starics are even told of crocodiles which, after s'-izing some domestic animal, drojjped it again at the voice of the charmer. Above Mkaramo the fluvial islands are uninhabited, all the natives of this district having taken refuge in the moiintuins. The Wapare (Wa-Pare), pastors and peasants, stand in such fear of the Masai marauders that they do not even venture to drive their herds to the pasture- lands, but rear them altogether in the indosures. Vet notwithstanding all their precautions, the raiders often succeed in carrying them off. The Wagimos (Wa-Gono), who inhabit the uplands which skirt the west side of Lake Jipe, are less exposed than the peoples of the plains to the attacks of the ^lasai hordes. South-eist of Kilima-Njaro, the little Wataveta (Wa-Taveta) community occupies the narrow zone of woodlands stretching along the banks of the Lu-Mi Itiver as fur as Lake Jipe. Here it has succeeded in maintaining its independence l)rotected by the large forest growths of the district. The chief town is further defcndefl by stout palisades behind which the natives are able to defy the Masai, usually armed only with short swords. The Watavetas are related to their northern and eastern neighbours, the Wachagas and Wateitas (Wa-Chaga, Wa-Teita), and speak a dialect of the same language. But they are now a very mixed people, owing to intermingling wi'h Wukwafi families which have sought a refuge in ihe.r midst. Of these Wakwafi strangers, those who have best preserved the original typ- ore distinguished by more regular features, more prominent cheek- bones, and a more animated expression than the true Watavetas. Several have also preserved their national dress ; but with the exception of circumcision, which IS still practised according to the Masai rite, they have adopted all the usages of their Wataveta hosts. They have settled down as peaceful agriculturists, no longer prowling about the villages to carry off the women and children, and no longer making a trade of war, as their Masai kinsmtn still do. •