[37]. Equal to saying: “I am shooting at the gnats that are eating up the turnips.”
[38]. The “forks” cut on upright posts to hold the cross poles are called in Congo meno, i. e. teeth.
[39]. The mortar is used for pounding maize, dried cassava, plantains, etc. To the native familiar with the whole process it was a good conundrum.
[40]. Katendi Katendwa nzala o makanda mamene, i. e. Katendi’s finger-nails must not be cut, or his clan will die out: in other words, he must fight to the last, and not submit to humiliations.
[41]. The whole present was worth about £10 at that time.