Page:Seven Years in South Africa v2.djvu/285

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Second Visit to the Marutse Kingdom.
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reeds, the time being marked by striking gloves of steel, or bells without clappers. Besides these, again, there are the lion and leopard dances, which are performed by hunters returning from successful expeditions, in conjunction with the villagers, who go out to meet them. In an elephant dance the king himself occasionally takes a part, as likewise in the mokoro, or boat dance.

THE PROPHETIC DANCE OF THE MASUPIAS.
THE PROPHETIC DANCE OF THE MASUPIAS.

THE PROPHETIC DANCE OF THE MASUPIAS.

That to which Masangu now invited me to accompany him was known as “the prophetic dance.” It was one of several juggleries peculiar to the Masupia tribe. The largest drums of the royal band are brought out, and while they are beaten about thirty performers stand round, singing and clapping their hands with all their