HEAD-DRESSES ; DANCING. 211 the lap, but as by rising they would find themselves in an awkward predicament, they turn deftly to the right-about, whilst still retaining their seat, hold their stool, rise while pressing the light stool to their seats a posteriori, and in this position move away two steps, when a distance required by an observance of decencies is supposed to have been reached.

If little attention is paid to the clothing, all the more care is expended upon the dressing of the hair, and as Nature has lent her aid by bestowing upon the people abundant heads of hair, a good deal can be accomplished in this direction. Apart from the high chignons, one notices, especially in girls, numerous fantastical frisures, produced by puffing and plaiting the hair ; they for the most part defy all description. Ifa person’s own hair is not considered sufficient, that of some dead person is requisitioned. Head-dresses and brimless straw hats are kept in place by means of ivory hair-pins, which are also used as ornaments. ‘They are neatly made, with square, round, or crescent-shaped heads, which are sometimes decorated by burntin dotted patterns. [ron hair-pins, as used by the Zande, are very rare here, and probably of foreign importation. As trimming for the hats, round bunches of red parrot’s feathers are used, in default of which (for they are dear) the white feathers of hens and cocks are utilised. Chains and bracelets of iron, copper, and brass are worn. It is a universal custom to paint the body with the black juice of the gardenia, and to lubricate it with a pomade made of a red wood and palm-oil.

When the day’s work is over, dancing and singing are carried on. On important festive occasions the chief or his eldest son dances before a semicircle of women, who sit upon stools and accompany the fantastic movements of the dancer with singing, swinging the arms, and swaying the body. ‘The costume of the dancer consists of the red rokko trousers, and a belt ornamented with copper, bunches of genet, monkey and leopards’ tails, pieces of beautiful otter-skin, and bunches of various-coloured feathers, especially those of the parrot and turacos. ‘The women’s dances are specially arranged. Forming a large circle, they step lightly around, singing as they go, and surrounded by a double row of men. The mimicry of the dance is more decent here than elsewhere. Trombones