Sundanese. Natives of the Sunda Islands, of Malayan stock, closely allied to [Javanese] (q.v.).
Susus. See [MANDINGAN].
Sutughils. See [MAYA-QUICHÉ].
Swabians. Natives of Swabia, an ancient duchy occupying the south-western part of the modern German Empire; descended from the ancient Suevi, with whom the [Alemanni] (q.v.) were amalgamated. A strong, large-boned, and good-humoured race of High German stock. The Alsatians are closely allied to them.
Swahilis. Natives of Zanzibar and the adjoining mainland, Bantu Negroes, with a strong infusion of Arab blood, which has made them superior in intelligence and enterprise to the average negro. They play a large part in the commerce of East Africa, and their language—Ki-Swahili—is the principal medium of communication throughout the part of Africa between the Equator and the Zambesi.
Swazis. Natives of Swaziland, a native state on the south-east of the Transvaal. A cross between Zulus and other Kafirs, they are industrious and warlike.
Swedes. Natives of Sweden, a branch of the Scandinavian stock. They seem to have been originally a Teutonic race, who entered Northern Sweden about 3,000 years ago, and drove out the aboriginal Lapps and Finns. The inhabitants of Southern Sweden were called Goths, and may have been the ancestors of the Teutonic Goths. In time they amalgamated with the Swedes, and formed one nation, which has been an independent kingdom through most of the Christian era. The Swedes are warlike, and successful in commerce and industry; they make good sailors, and possess a considerable literature.
Swiss, or Switzers. The prehistoric inhabitants of Switzerland were the unknown builders of the lake dwellings. At the dawn of history, in Cæsar’s time, the country was largely occupied by a Celtic race, the Helvetii. Later, Switzerland was invaded by Teutonic races of High German stock, Alemanni, Burgundians, etc. The modern Swiss are mostly descended from these races; there is also a considerable mixture of French, Italic and Romansch elements. The Swiss have always been a warlike race, who preserved the independence of their mountainous country through all ages, and in earlier times furnished excellent mercenary soldiers to foreign armies. They are now very industrious and successful in many arts and crafts, such as watchmaking, wood-carving, hotel-keeping, etc. They are a simple and handsome race, possessing in full measures the virtues of the mountaineer.
Syrians. The ancient Syrians were a branch of the Aramæn stock of the Semitic family, and the modern Syrians are their descendants, with some Arab and Turkish elements added. They are tall, with white skins and dark complexions, black eyes and hair, often very handsome, and approaching the Jewish type. They are not warlike, but succeed in commerce.
Tacullis. See [ATHABASCAN].