WHITE RACE IN AFRICA

Inangahua Times, 21 April 1932, Page 4

WHITE RACE IN AFRICA

Kilted Tribe of Moslems

A native white tribe which has persisted from time immemorial in the midst of the solid black population of northern Nigeria is reported in the British anthropological journal, Man, by G. W. Webster, who has spent 24 years in the vicinity. These are the Fulani, with long, aquiline noses. They wear “kilts” somewhat after the fashion of Scotch Hignlanders, although no possible connection is suggested between the two people. All are Moslems- This white tribe has preserved itself, according to the report by extreme insistence in race purity.

Ihe marriage customs are colourful. Once each year there is a trial.” All the girls of - marriageable age stand in a ring. One by one, the young men of marriage age are brought to the centre of the Circle. Then two strong men of the village are selected to beat the youth with a heavy club. He must stand the blows without wiDcing. Sometitn s the beating is fatal. The slightest visible pain means that marriage must be delayed for another year He is dressed in girl’s clothes and made to sit with the children. If he comes through the ordeal, however he can select any girl from the circle for his wife.

The young of both sexes are chased back and forth through a huge bonfire every fall as a purification ceremony. They may be badly burned, but must continue raciDg through the flames until the fire is extinguished.