|
SNAKE-PROOF MEN.
To the Editor of The Daily Mail
Sir, I was much interested in a little article
in The Daily Mail on "Catching Shakes," and I
hope other readers will recount the methods they
have either seen used or used themselves.
In Nyasaland and North Rhodesian kraals are
old men known as wafundi, who will (if a young
boy shows pluck) inoculate the young would-be
snake-catcher with certain muti (medicine) made
from dried crushed snake heads and various
herbs and tree roots. He is then believed to be-
come immune from snake-bites.
The youngster whose ambition it is to catch
snakes, is first told to run after and hold by the
tail a small, snake by the name of "Msarada."
If he fears to touch the reptile he is scorned. If
he shows grit and pursues it with vigour he is
accepted as one of the chosen, and is inoculated
on each forearm and each foot (usually on left
side of each). He is then able to stand the effects
of snake-bites.
These youngsters collect a lot of various kinds
of snakes and keep them in calabashes, and on
occasions take them out and play with them on
open spaces. When these boys grow up they are
known and respected wherever they go. They
will not kill a snake, no matter what you offer
them.
White men, too, have undergone this inocula-
tion process, but the chiefs take a lot of persuad-
ing. CANDORDO.
Near Salisbury, Rhodesia. |
|