The Wilmingtonian., 1823-10-16
HORRID CEREMONIES.


extended from Cape Palmas to the river
Copgo:"
"The period had arrived when Tacky
Mensa, wealthy trader and inhabitant OF
Annamaboo, had to make custom for his
ancestors. Five victims were to be i'm
molated to the names Of the deceased, and
gunpowder, brandy, cloth and provisions
distributed to the multitude. A vast num-
Der Of persons assembled at Annamaboo,
from different parts Of the republic of
Fantee, to assist at and give Importance to
The ceremony. A little before day break
in the morning, when the obsequies for the
deceased commenced, volleys of muskets,
the noise of drums, and savage shouts
were heard in every direction; and about
eight O'Clock, a large concourse OF people
Of both sexes and all ages had collected at
or near Tacky Mensa's house, 70 whom
brandy was distributed in large Quantities,
Firing, shouting and drinking continued
till midday, when the five victims were
brought out from a hut with their hands
bound, with ligatures made OF the vine OF
q creeping plant, surrounding their heads,
and which came over their eyes and noses,
and by introducing pieces OF sticks and
twisting them round, making what sailors
call Spanish wipdlssses, the bones Of their
noses were forced in, and their eyes sunk
deeper in their sockets. One of these un-
fortunate beings was very old Asshantee
man; the remaining four were natives OF
Chamba, and all men, two of whom were
middle aged, one very old, the other
young. Before they were led to execn-
ton, every effort was made by the Euro
peans to purchase them, but without effect
The poor creatures in this state OF suffer-
ing, were paraded through the town, and
received every ignominy that savage cru
city could devise, or inf1ict, without sigh
escaping them, and were, ultimately, taken
to the beach, under the very walls OF the
fort, where they were butchered, amidst
the most savage and diabolical shouts OF
the multitude. Even females assisted at
the horrid ceremony, and marked them
selves with the blood of the wretched VIC
tins as it flowed from their headess
trunks; and, horrible to relate, libations
of brandy were poured into, and drank
from, human skulls, which few minutes
before, had life and being. Volleys ol
musquetry we're fired, savage dances per-
formed, intoxication was carried to excess
during three days and three nights, when
the custom making ceased. Their GUS
toms or obsequies to the name of deceased
ancestors, are often carried to such exces-
ses by individuals as to leave them in a
state Of extreme poverty; but all men OF
consequence are compelled, at some peri.
cd Of their lives, to perform this savage
act of duty to those who have been long
numbered with the dead, or they would b'
degraded and held in the lowest estima
ton by their countrymen, but more espe
cialiy by their own townsmen."
AT Lagos we hear Of another dreadful
festival.
"The horrid custom of impalng alive
a young female to propitiate the favour
the goddess presiding over the rainy sea
son, that she may fill the horn of plenty
is practised here annually. The immoa
ton OF this victim TO superstitious usage
takes place soon after the vernal equinox
and along with her are sacrificed shee
and goats, which together with yams, head
of maize and plantains, are hung ON eac
side Of her. Females destined thus to b
destroyed are brought up for the expires
purpose in the kings or cabocer's seragl
and it is said that their minds have bee
previously so powerfully wrought upon B
the fenohe men, that they proceed to Il
place of execution with as much Cheerful
ness as the infatuated Hindoo women wi
are burnt with their husbands. One WI
impald while | was at Lagos, but,
course, | did not witness the ceremon
| passed by where the lifeless body sti
renamed on the stake few days afte
wards"
GREAT CHINESE FESTIVAL.