2-982-008 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Lieutenant Cameron's Sketches in Central Africa: Kasongo's Levee, 1876. '...some lesser native chief is humbly introduced to his august presence, kneeling and almost prostrating himself on the bare ground, while presenting his short sword, or dagger, to be taken from him by the attendants of Kasongo. The principal one of these is the official executioner, who stands...holding an axe ready for instant service. Kasongo is dressed in an odd mixture of African and European attire, with a dress-coat purchased of some foreign trader...and with a shirt also, but no trousers. His head is adorned with a long straight feather stuck in the top-knot of twisted hair...Behind him are two women of his guard; for he, like the King of Dahomey, has a female regiment of household troops. One of these Amazons is armed with a hatchet, in shape not very unlike that of the official headsman'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.