Early in his reign he was deposed by a relative of his named Tatila; but Tatila had not the grip over his people nor the statesmanship to hold the chieftainship, with the result that Lewanika was reinstated after a couple of battles. To the surprise of all he showed great clemency and pardoned most of the rebels. A notable example of his clemency is the induna Noyōō, who was very prominent in killing off Lewanika’s women and children during Tatila’s brief rule. Lewanika told me himself that his reason for sparing Noyōō was because he and Noyōō had herded cattle together when very small boys.
Lewanika led many successful raids against the neighbouring tribe of the Mashukulumbwe, and he was the first Barotse Chief who accepted their homage and counted them as a portion of his people.
He had a great belief in acquiring knowledge of other native races and chiefs, and sent embassies to Chitimukulu the Awemba Chief and to Khama the Bamangwato Chief (the Bamangwato being better known nowadays under the general term Bechuana).
Lewanika was a man of most charming and courteous manners and had always a very sincere regard for Europeans, while his loyalty to the Empire has repeatedly proved itself, more especially since the beginning of the German War. A visit by a European, accompanied by his wife, was always considered a great compliment by the late chief.
Missionaries always received support from Lewanika, and were given grants of land for their stations and many other privileges. The Chief himself never professed Christianity, but set an example to his people by attending church services and by supporting the Missions generally.
D. E. C. S.
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| Preface by the Author | [v] |
| Introductory Chapter by Sir Harry Johnston | [1] |
| CHAPTER I. | |
| The Barozi and their Origin | [37] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| The Administration of Barotseland | [42] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| Native Administration | [46] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| Barozi Industries | [55] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| Customs (Mikwa) | [61] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| Riddles and Conundrums | [80] |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| Barozi Songs and Dances | [85] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | |
| Barozi Legends | [93] |
| CHAPTER IX. | |
| Barozi Laws | [108] |
| CHAPTER X. | |
| General | [115] |