The Fights of Mbuma-Tyĕtyĕ and An Origin of the Leopard
Persons
Mekuku, and Two of His Sons Mbuma-Tyĕtyĕ and Njâ |
Ngwaye (Partridge) |
Kâ (Snails) | |
King Njambu | Ihonga-Honga (A Giant Tooth) |
Betoli (Rats) | |
Mwamba (Snakes) | Hova (A Magic Gourd) |
Ngângâlâ (Millepedes) | Tângâ (Horn) |
Kedi (Stinging Ants) | Ibumbu (Bundle of Medicine) |
Njambu Ya Mekuku (Spirits), and His Town |
Kanja (A Bowl) |
Ikanga (Spear) | |
Women Hidden in Chests | Ngalo (A Magic Amulet) |
NOTE
Ngalo is a powerful fetish-charm. Sitting in a visitor's lap for a few moments, is a mode of welcome.
"Njambu" is one of their forms of spelling the name of the Creator; very commonly used also for human beings. The account of the wrestling-match is suggestive of the surroundings of a modern athletic field.
Njambu built a Town. He continued there a long time. After he had finished the town, he married very many wives. After a short time they all of them bore children. Those births were of many sons. He gave them names: Among them were, Upuma-mwa-penda (Year-of-doubt), and Njâ (Leopard).
And again, his wives, after a short time, all of them became mothers. This time, they gave birth to a large number of daughters. He gave them also names.