Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 4.djvu/445

 TUE WAPOKOMOS. 861 The Wapokomos and "Wakambas. To the same Buntti stock also belong the tribes dwelling in the districts north of Mombaz, such as the feeble Dukalo people enslaved by the Gullas, and the IJoni and Wasanieh (Wa-Sanioh) groups, who occupy the shores of Formosa Bay. Hut all of these tribes are being gradually merged with the powerful Galla nation, whose language they have already adopted. Owing pnjbably to this circumstance the traveller Douhardt regards the Waboni as Gallas rather than Bantus. Farther north the valley of the Pokomoni or Tana (Dana) river is occupied by the Wapokomo (Wa-Pokomo) nation, who constitute the northernmost group of Bantu peoples on the East African seaboard, where they have hitherto succeeded in preserving their distinct nationality. But along the lower course of the river they are exposed to so many enemies, Galla and Somali maurauders, and oppressive Swaheli tax-gatherers, that they have abandoned all hope of being long able to maintain an independent position. They are in fact already practically enslaved, although allowed to remain in their own homes, and not sent into captivity like so many other native populations. The branch of the l*okomo nation occupying the upper course of the river above the alluvial plains have preserved their political autonomy, and are still distinguished by the national virtues of honesty, candour, gentleness, and love of freedom. No other African people are animated by more friendly feelings towards strangers, or display an equal degree of kindness and consideration for their guests. In these respects the brothers Denhardt regard the Pokomos as a model com- munity. Although at present confined to the banks of the Tana, where they number from twenty-five to thirty thousand souls, they appear to have originally come from the north, and their line of migration seems to be indicated by several geographical names still surviving in the district lying between Kilima-Njaro and their present domain. According to Krapf, this domain is the cradle of the true Swaheli race, which was probably driven southwards by the Pokomo tribes advanc- ing from the north. Physically the Pokomos compare favourably with the surrounding populations, being tall and robust, with pleasant and even handsome features. But, like most of their neighbours, they endeavour to heighten their charms by tattooing the body. The women also daub themselves with ngo'i, a kind of red ochre brought from India, which they mix with butter or the fat of wild animals. Neither sex wears any covering to the head or feet, their v/hole costume being limited to a cotton loin- cloth. Circumcision is not universally practised, each clan following in this respect its own peculiar usages. At the birth of a child the husband must retire, and is not permitted to return to the conjugal home for fully five months after the event. During the whole of this period the wife is herself confined to the house, and allowed to go abroad only at night in company with her sisters or other relations. The children are brought up with the greatest care, and learn to make them- selves useful from their earliest years. Until their marriage the girls remain with their mother; but on reaching their twelfth year the boys are subjected to the