E. THE WAR DOCTOR.
Igqira elilitola. (the doctor who is of war.)
Plural. Amagqira amatola.
In time of war, before proceeding to battle the companies are doctored, each soldier being submitted to the process.
The war doctor (Itola) always a man, is sent for and prepares a large vessel of war medicine, with much ceremony and incantation, and of this each warrior partakes, and is in consequence considered immunised from the danger of his enemies’ weapons (always, be it understood, provided he be at peace and in the good graces of his departed ancestors.)
These ancestors have sacrifices offered to them by every warrior, including the king and chief indunas on the eve of battle. Many curious practices take place at such a time which it is outside the province of this essay to describe. They are, however, very interesting, as evidence of various superstitions believed by the Kaffir. [[52]]