Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1894-08-24
AFRICAN WEDDINGS.
Cruel Rites Performed During the
Ceremony.
Brutal Exhibitions of Physical Courage by
the Soudanese Men-Manner
of Settling the Brides
DOwry.

DIR. Junker's la bors in Africa occupied
eleven years. with only one interval OF
rest. when it became necessary for him
20 recruit his health by a visit to
Europe, says the Cincinnati Commercial
Gazette So arduous were his expert
ences that his life was sacrificed in the
end. since the last proofs of his work
had hardly passed out of his hands be-
fore he fell a victim 10 an insiduous dis
ease, for which the germs had been
sown in the swamps of central Africa.
The following interesting account OF
a wedding at Lado illustrates the au-
thors habits of close observation:
On this occasion the bridal procession
began shortly before eight o'clock. The
bride walked with some of the women
under a large mosquito net carried on
four poles. under which chair was
borne. that she might rest at the fire.
queut hating places. In the van. In
the rear of the procession. large lamps
and small colored Chinese lanterns
were carried on sticks, the whole being
accompanied by music. A troop of
negro women. with their eternal tam
tanning. swarmed round about The
men also Joined the procession. and be-
fore il started and at hating places the
Arab women performed dances, and i
witnessed a very brutal custom of the
SC1danese men. in which even some of
the cleri,. took part. This is chal
ieuge to auei With the rhinoceros-hide
whip. which. being carried out In the
presence of the dancing women, is
meant to testify to .the courage of TIE
men. who gave each other heavy blows
ON their bare shoulders and backs.
which left thick wales. Each has to
take the same number of blows from
his opponent as he gives. Sometimes
one man will challenge three or four,
70 whom he deals in turn savage blows
which are returned afterwards by them
all in succession. The pain must have
been excessive. but | did not see the
men move a muscle The custom is
really for the bridegroom TO receive the
bride at his threshold and to carry her
into the house, but this form was
omitted. as the bride was to be for
mally given away 10y her father on the
next day.
On the second day I sent the we'll
preserved carpet of my large angareb to
Ali Efendi as a present. The banquet
took place in the evening, Emin Bey
being present. According to custom,
there were several series of jewellers.
those who were not eating at the mo-
ment taking their place on the angarebs
set up in front of the houses. had
sent my boosted bottle of vermouth.
and the few people of the first series
each got glass. These evening fcasts
usually last a long time. but this one
was shortened. as 50 many ceremonies
were to follow Ibrahim Effendi was
also obliged to make procession. and
was led first TO Nita's house, where he
was arrayed in q faultless black suit.
lent TO him by the master. In front Of
the house there were more chairs and
eHgarebs. and chocolate and coffee were
handed around. Later the procession,
accompanied by music. dancing and
shouting. returned to Ali Efcndi's.
Here, after more coffee or karkadeb.
the bride was given away In this cere-
mony the father and bridegroom sit
down in sight of the company on a car
pet, on which the fallir also takes his
place. They then settle the dowry Of
the girl lin this case one hundred and
fifty thalersl, which is often, though
not on this occasion, paid over at once
and taken in charge by somebody whom
the girl appoints. Then the father. the
bridegroom and the fakir take hands
under spread-out cloth, the oath
formula and a short prayer are said and
all is over.