(b). U-hili or Tikoloshe. A short stumpy creature living in water, half man, half animal. The Kaffir has a special belief, attached to this U-hili; thus if a woman be fond of her husband and children, she is credited with having been tempted by the Tikoloshe and having resisted his importunities.
(c). Im-pundulu, is supposed to be a bird which can assume the appearance of a man. This bird has besides the power of bringing disease, that of bringing down lighting.
It will thus be seen that the Native recognises hereditary disease, and he believes that the triple association of these three I’canti, Tikoloshe and Im-pundulu is the chief cause of this hereditary disease in a family, being handed down from mother to daughter. Of [[13]]course it is understood that these agencies are engaged or induced to act by some enemy or some outraged spirit of a departed ancestor.
2. Im-paka. This is a creature resembling a cat, which has the power of getting inside any hut and by scratching the body of a person of inoculating him with poison. The Im-paka is bred by wizards and set on by them to spread or give disease.
This is a superstition that exists mostly amongst the Fingoes.
3. Ubuti. (Poison). The usual methods of putting poison in food or drink is here considered the cause. This Ubuti may be used by living people or by the usual and ever present “spirits.”
Other things which are believed to cause disease are:—
4. In-Qumbabane. This is a wand like snake which is believed to be the chief cause of fevers. By getting inside a person it eats up the inside of the man and so causes his death. Speaking generally as in old English lore the methods adopted to get rid of this In-Qumbabane are aimed at making the host an unpleasant abode for it and thus evil smelling [[14]]herb are rubbed on the orifices of the body and bitter nauseating drugs swallowed.
5. Mamlambo. This is another snake chiefly known by Zulus and used by them as a charm. If not properly used it causes sickness or death, and has come to be looked on as a possible cause of sickness in many cases.
6. Omitting to observe certain ceremonies or rites is supposed to cause umbrage to the spirits and thus, bring about illness. Thus if the finger of a new born infant is not cut, the infant will be sickly and die young.