SHILLOOK DANCE. 291 which was woven long grass, which stood out all round the head, and waved with each movement. Bound the left arm another leather hand was tied, to which hung a long black sheep's tail ; the ankles and forearms were adorned with rings of copper or brass, and small bits of metal of all shapes were fastened just below the knee, and in some instances bells were tied above the right elbow. The dress of some of the performers was a leopard-skin fastened over one shoulder; others had a skin round the loins ; while by others nothing but a belt round the waist was worn, to which rows of iron rings were attached. The Shillook weapons are simple, but very good ; a lance, seven feet long, with a broad, sharp head, oval shields made of skins, bows, arrows and clubs, which are carried in the hand, being all they possess.

A circle was formed by the performers round the drum, and they danced round with a long striding step, sinking the whole body at every stride, and at the same time covering it with the shield, then making a lunge forward with the spear. Yells and cries as unearthly as can be imagined were uttered at regular intervals ; splendid time being kept to the beats of the drum. Two parties were then formed, attacks and repulses being interchanged, first one party and then the other being chased from the field. Their antics, springs, and contortions while in action are most amusing, and the noise u 2