BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM.
From a Photo. by Rev. T. B. R. Westgate.
When, however, all has gone well, the suitor presents the woman of his choice with three or four iron necklaces, the acceptance of which betokens her willingness to be engaged. The man then hastens to inform his relations of what has occurred, and, if they approve of the transaction, they advise him to make a public offer of marriage. His female friends undertake this pleasant business for him, and the time chosen is the break of day. Taking a new hoe, or a few yards of calico, to present as a formal token of the engagement, they go to see the young lady. If she accepts the offering, the engagement is sealed; but if she refuses, the matter comes to an abrupt end. The betrothal is accompanied with shouting, singing, and great rejoicing, and the tremendous noise arouses the whole neighbourhood. Hence everybody in the place, both young and old, at once gets to know of the engagement, and the news is hailed as a welcome topic of gossip.
COLLECTING THE CUSTOMARY TOLL FROM THE BRIDEGROOM AND HIS FRIEND.
From a Photo. by Rev. H. Cole.
When the man has secured a sufficient number of goats, etc., he apprises the woman's relations of his desire to "guma" (i.e., to pay the dowry). A day is appointed, and the match-making palaver takes place. Very often the negotiations are broken off because the amount of dowry is considered too small; and it may be interesting to set down here in detail the fees usually paid for a wife—the matrimonial price-list, so to speak. The dowry is divided into several parts, distinguished by separate names representing certain amounts, as under:—
"Wupogoze" (private proposal)—three chain necklaces (engagement ring).
"Wubanye" (public proposal)—new hoe or four yards of calico.