The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-12-10
QUEER CUSTOMS
FOUND AMONG
BERBER TRIBES

MeHlla, MOrOcCO.-lne customs
of the two Berber tribes whose ter
ritory has just been reoccupied by
Spanish troops as a result of their
recent victories, are very interest
ing.
These tribes are known as the
Beni-Buyahi and Beni-Bu-1frur, in
Guiding the settlements of Segan-
gan and Zeulan. extending to Monte
Arruit, Tistutin, Batel and Garet.
According to the best information
they number about 10000. of whom
about 5000 are males of fighting
age. In the last Is years tLeir
number has been reduced from
about 10000 of both sexes by inter-
tribal fighting and migration be-
cause of bad harvests.
The tribes are divided into nine
factions, all of which quarrel fire.
quently between themselves, a
practice common of the Berber
stock from which they descend.
They became mixed with the Arab
invaders in the 7th century.
They are nomads who settle tenn
porarily in places where the pas
turage is plentiful, for they pos
sess large numbers of camels
sheep and cattle. They live under
large tents, which they pitch in
circles, thus forming an aduar, or
settlement. The tents are RRde of
sleeps wool mixed with cSGel or
goats hair for the more wealthy
among the tribesmen, while the
poorer members of the tribes must
content themselves with grass
fibre.
The men are of changeful mood.
at times seeking adventure in ra-
pine and at others indulging. in
prolonged periods of laziness.
Polygamy prevails among them
in proportion to their means OF
providing sustenance for the wom-
en-. These poor creatures in every
part of Morocco lead the most ms
cradle lives. They look after the
cattle, grind the grain, make the
bread, churn the butter. hew the
wood, draw the water which often
has to be carried long distances.
shear the sheep and goats. card
and weave the wool and hair as
well as the grass fibre, do all the
blowing and sowing, and generally
are treated by their lordly hus-
bands even worse than the animals
to whom they are yoked for field
work.
Their only consolation is in eat
ing. They consume four meals
daily. at which they drink great
quantities of weak tea, and before
they retire for the night devour
large quantities of alcuzcuz-balls
composed of flour. water and honey.
They are very careful with the
cattle and never forget to put them
to pasture facing away from the
sun, so that they will not lose
their sight through the brightness.
Among the chief festivities are
those connected with births and
the giving of names. which occur
eight days after birth. when the
father sacrifices a sheep. and
sprinkling the blood, pronounces
the names to be given to the child
in the name of Allah.
At 20 years of age, it is custom
airy to marry. A young man then
announces to his father his desire
TO wed a certain young woman.
The father communicates with the
father of the chosen bride and
sends his brothers to sacrifice a
sheep in front of his tent. at the
same time appealing to the father
10 give his daughter in marriage to
their nephew.
II the father consents, the price
OF the young woman and the dowry
she is to bring with her is agreed
upon. The day of the ceremony is
settled, the bride knowing nothing
about IT,
When the wedding day arrives.
the parents of the bridegroom go
IN procession to the tent OF the
brides father, to whom they bring
the half of the price to be paid for
the bride, receiving in return there
Tor the half of the brides dowry.
The men fire three rife shots and
The women shout with Joy.
The couple. although the cere-
mony is yet incomplete, go to their
future tent together. The real
wedding ensues the following day
when the bride is taken in procos-
sion on the back of a camel GOV
cred with silks and followed nv bar
nody-slave, IL she is wealthy enough
10 possess one. to the tent of the
bridegroom, where she is welcom-
ed by his parents, and the remain
Ter of the price and dowry changes
hands. The wedding is completed
o the accompaniment of much |
casting.
bride who proves unfaithfuI |
nay be sent back to her fathers
ent dressed in sackcloth.