BASUTOLAND:
ITS LEGENDS AND CUSTOMS
BY
MINNIE MARTIN
LONDON:
NICHOLS & CO.,
34 HART STREET, BLOOMSBURY, W.C,
AND
23 OXFORD STREET, W.
1903.
ROBERT STOCKWELL,
Printer,
Baden Place, Crosby Row, Borough,
London, S.E.
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| CHAPTER I. | |
| Outline of Basuto History—Life of Mosheshue—Letsie—Lerotholi—The"Pitso"—Principal Chiefs—Scenery—Manner ofHerding—Natural Features of the Country—Bushmen—Rivers—Waterfalls—"Khapong,"or Unseen Fire—Climate | 1 |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| Appearance of Basuto—Albinos—Character—NativeVillages—Huts—Manner of Building—Manner of Living—NativeDress—Ornaments | 21 |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| Manner of Cultivating the Soil—Grain—Harvest—Foods—Drinks—Mannerof Eating—Resources of the Country—Conditionof Country—Imports—Horses—Pack Oxen—Number of Wives—Statusof Women—"Letsima"—Basuto Women—Children—Seasons—Mannerof Counting—Religious Customs—Musical Instruments—Heathen"Schools"—Amusements | 32 |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| Chief Wars—Their Causes and Effects—Morosi—DisarmamentAct—Death of [Pg iv]Molapo—Influence of the Missionaries—Compensation—Resignation of Col. Griffeth—General Gordon—Sir MarshallClarke—State of Basutoland from 1843 to Present Time—Mode of Government—HutTax—Expenditure—Mission Societies | 52 |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| Thaba Bosigo—Cannibals—Their Manner ofCapturing and Destroying their Victims—Mark of a Cannibal—"Bakuena," orthe People of the Crocodile—Superstitions—Land Tenure | 71 |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| Marriage Customs—Death Customs | 80 |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| Birth Customs—Education—Intellect—Character—NewsCarriers | 93 |