File:A voice from the Congo - comprising stories, anecdotes, and descriptive notes (1910) (14781298354).jpg

Identifier: voicefromcongoco00ward (find matches)
Title: A voice from the Congo : comprising stories, anecdotes, and descriptive notes
Year: 1910 (1910s)
Authors: Ward, Herbert, 1863-1919
Subjects: Ward, Herbert, 1863-1919 Africa, Central -- Description and travel Africa, Central -- Social life and customs
Publisher: New York : Charles Scribner's Sons
Contributing Library: University of Connecticut Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Connecticut Libraries

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th the neatly constructed thatched huts of thenatives, the population throughout the area is con-siderable. The majority of the natives of these tribes are in acondition of serfdom, a condition arising principallyfrom mutual indebtedness. In disposition they aremild-tempered and inoffensive. Cannibalism is anunknown practice among the inhabitants of the LowerCongo. The trading instinct is largely developed,and is exercised in bartering produce and commodi-ties in the local markets. They are not warlike. The prevailing characteristic of the Lower Congotribes is superstition. Their lives and minds areswayed by charm-doctors, who possess an almostinfinite power over the people. These charm-doctorsare invariably shrewd and crafty men, exceedingtheir kinsmen in mental capacity. They exercisesupreme power in the settlement of all local matters.Superstition is, of course, an indigenous and stronglypronounced element in African human nature, butthe natives of the Lower Congo region are wholly
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Photograph by Rowand Ward, Congo implements In the Author-s collection CONGO CHARACTERISTICS 257 and absolutely devoted to fetichism in all its manyphases. Their lifes object is the appeasing andpropitiating of the Evil Spirit, and the persuading ofall natural powers to their good. The Lower Congo tribes are not progressive; theirspirit of progress being curbed and crushed by theever-present fear of exciting the cupidity of thecharm-doctors. The ferocious impulse is almost ab-sent; only upon the occasion of their fanatical pas-sions being aroused do they display cruel savageinstincts. They are attached to their villages, their planta-tions, and their markets. This attachment and loveof possession deters them from risking their livesand property by waging war upon their neighbours.They are satisfied with a rural pastoral life, in abeautiful fertile country. Relieved from the anxi-ety of fighting for existence and lacking the am-bition of conquest, they are contented to live inidleness.

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