Miscarriages are mostly attributed to witchcraft, but the sufferers therefrom are sometimes treated medicinally.
a. The Um-kwinti (Gazania pinnata) is drunk in infusion of all its parts.
b. The Isi-kolokoto (Sansevieria thyrsiflora) an infusion of the root being used. [[107]]
c. The In-gcelwane (Bulbine latifolia) of which a decoction of the root and stalk is taken.
Menstruation. The first arrival of this, the average age being 14 years, is made the occasion of great ceremonies, which vary, however, greatly in different tribes, thus:—Amongst the Sesutos, the maiden is sent to the Native school (kept for the purpose by a woman), and turned in what is known as a “Bale.” Much difficulty is experienced in finding out what exactly takes place; but from what one gathers, there is no removal of parts, as in circumcision in the male. The result of the treatment is that the labia minora are considerably elongated, sometimes very much so, and the female thus converted into an animal of lust and desire. It is notorious that the Basuto women are excessively immoral. According to them adultery is not an immoral act, unless there has been complete possession.
Ho fuba in Sesuto (adultery) means to have complete intercourse, and if followed by conception is punished usually by fining. A few head of cattle or less, clearing the culprit even if she be a wife. [[108]]
Papali (play), however, is an innocent flirt, and here the elongated labia minora comes into use.
An old Basuto once said “Were it not for this custom all our woman would repeatedly become pregnant, and thus spoil their children.”
Chiefs frequently lend their wives to their headmen, that they may “raise children to their kraal.”
Among the Zulus and most of the other Bantu tribes the custom is different.