CHAPTER VI.
Barozi Riddles and Conundrums.
Conundrums are universal throughout the Barozi, and a few are given as examples. Most of them are lacking in humour from an European point of view, but the ability to guess them is looked on as quite an asset, especially among women and children. Each riddle is prefixed by the words “A-ko,” “Here it is,” used by the person asking the riddle. The person taking up the challenge replies “Keyi,” which means “Bring it.” These words are pure Silui (Serozi) and are used for all riddles, although the riddles themselves may be in Sikololo, Mbunda or any other tongue or dialect in use in any part of Barozi. There are not any permanent riddles, as they are generally made up by the person asking them, but there are a few certainly which, from the length of time they have been known and their popularity, may be considered as permanent jokes.
(1) Question. “Ku tanta mbilingwa ku uka ni mbilingwa.”
“It climbs up and falls back.”
Answer. “Ki kokwani ha ipahama kwa kota.”
“An insect climbing a tree (still slips).”
(2) Q. “Kateli ka shangwe no malimba.”
“My father’s calabash has spots.”
A. “Ki ngwesi.”
“A tiger-fish.”