Makua

One of the Bantu tribes, inhabiting the Mosambique region of Africa. They are shy and fear captivity. The women wear a huge ring in the upper lip, and the teeth are filed pointed. Different parts of the tribe are distinguished by different tattooing. The hair is dre ed to stand up like a square stub. Pearl cro es are worn on the brow. An apron constitutes full dre . In greeting the hands are clapped, the number of times being apportioned to the rank of the person greeted. The chief is waited on by his wives, 100 or more. When the chief dies he is buried sitting; sometimes living men are inhumed with him. His subjects are buried at full length. Magic and evil spirits are worshiped. The Makua are fond of oratory, two speakers a isting each other, as in a duet.