Part 17 (2/2)

[24] Gisti is a ”princess” in Harari, equivalent to the Somali Geradah.

[25] They are, however, divided into clans, of which the following are the princ.i.p.al:--

1. Bahawiyah, the race which supplies the Gerads.

2. Abu Tunis (divided into ten septs).

3. Rer Ibrahim (similarly divided).

4. Jibril.

5. Bakasiyya.

6. Rer Muhmud.

7. Musa Dar.

8. Rer Auro.

9. Rer Walembo.

10. Rer Khalid.

[26] I do not describe these people, the task having already been performed by many abler pens than mine.

[27] They are divided into the Bah Ambaro (the chief's family) and the Shaykhashed.

[28] The only specimen of stunted humanity seen by me in the Somali country. He was about eighteen years old, and looked ten.

[29] At first I thought of writing it in Arabic; but having no seal, a _sine qua non_ in an Eastern letter, and reflecting upon the consequences of detection or even suspicion, it appeared more politic to come boldly forward as a European.

[30] It belongs, I was informed, to two clans of Gallas, who year by year in turn monopolise the profits.

[31] Of this tree are made the substantial doors, the basins and the porringers of Harar.

[32] The Webbe Shebayli or Haines River.

[33] This scarecrow is probably a talisman. In the Saharah, according to Richardson, the skull of an a.s.s averts the evil eye from gardens.

[34] The following is a table of our stations, directions, and distances:--

Miles 1. From Zayla to Gudingaras S.E. 165 19 2. To Kuranyali 145 8 3. To Adad 225 25 4. To Damal 205 11 5. To El Arno 190 11 6. To Jiyaf 202 10 7. To Halimalah (the Holy Tree about half way) 192 7 -- 91 miles.

8. To Aububah 245 21 9. To Koralay 165 25 10. To Harar 260 65 -- 111 miles.

--- Total statute miles 202

[Ill.u.s.tration: COSTUMES OF HARAR]

CHAP. VIII.

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