On behalf of a caravan about to start for Bihé, Msidi and his
fetish priests have been at work a whole month, preparing charms,
etc. The process in such a case is first to divine as to the
dangers that await them ; then to propitiate with the appointed
sacrifices to forefathers (in this case two goats were killed) ;
afterwards to prepare the charms necessary, either as antidotes
against evil or to secure good. ‘The zoma or fetish spear to be
earried in front of the caravan, with charms secured to it, was


208 Seven Years in Central Africa. [Marcu,


thus prepared: The roots of a sweet herb were tied round the
blade ; then a few bent splinters of wood were tied on, like the
feathers of a shuttle-cock. In the cage thus formed were placed
a piece of human skin, little bits of the claws of a lion, leopard,
etc., with food, beer, and medical roots, thus securing, respectively,
power over their enemies, safety from the paws of fierce animals,
food and drink, and, finally, health. A cloth was sewn over all,
and finally the king spat on it and blessed it.
After all these performances they will set out with light hearts,
each man marked with sacred chalk. Such is the “fool” in all
lands; he finds a refuge in his own imaginations. And how
many there are of professing Christians among our own country-
men who play the fool! how many who vainly believe that they
are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing !
Others vainly say, ‘“‘Is not the Lord among us?” (Micah iii. 11)
and claim His promises while they are living to self.
DOMESTIC MATTERS.
