The Chiefs, many of whom are proffessors of very numerous herds of cattle, are generally clad in the skins of lions, tygers, or zebras, to which they add fringes, and other ornaments in a very good taste. Both sexes frequently anoint the body with grease, but never use any that is rancid or foetid, if fresh can be had. Mutton suet and butter are generally used for this purpose; butter is preferred, which they make by shaking the milk in a bag made of the skin of some beast.

We were told that the priest certainly gives the nuptial benediction by sprinkling the bride and bridegroom with his urine. But the Dutch universally declared that the women never wrapped the entrails of sheep round their legs, as they have been said to do, and afterwards make them part of their food. Semicastration was also absolutely denied to be general; but it was acknowledge that some among the particular nation which knew how to melt; copper bad suffered that operation, who were said to be the best warriors, and particularly to excel in the art of throwing stones.

Voyaging Accounts