(1) The Vanishing Tribes of Kenya: a Description of the Manners and Customs of the Primitive and Interesting Tribes dwelling on the Vast Southern Slopes of Mount Kenya, and their Fast Disappearing Native Methods of Life (2) On the Trail of the Bushongo: an Account of a Remarkable and hitherto Unknown African People, their Origin, Art, High Social and Political Organisation and Culture, derived from the Author's Personal Experience amongst them (3) Fresh Tracks in the Belgian Congo: from the Uganda Border to the Mouth of the Congo

Abstract

THE three books under notice all indicate the extraordinary rate of change that is taking place in Africa. Though Mr. Norden may be inclined to see “a step towards Utopia” in a Belgian industrial plantation, most thoughtful observers are alarmed by the effect of industrialism on black Africa. Mr. Norden noticed that, whereas his belongings had never been pilfered in the wilder parts of the Congo, when he approached “civilisation” locks became necessary. That, of course, is nothing when compared to the break-down of tribal custom and belief, with its accompanying loss of control which follows so quickly on contact with Europeans. Major Orde Browne is acutely aware of this grave danger, so that his book, (1) “The Vanishing Tribes of Kenya,” will be of value to all who have to deal with natives either as government officials, missionaries, or settlers. What he has to say on the brideprice, initiation, trial by ordeal and government, is all eminently sound. His book is a careful, though not exhaustive, study of the tribes on the south-east slopes of Mt. Kenya, the Embu, Emberre, Mwimbe, and Chuka; all these tribes have suffered much influence from and admixture with the Meru, Akikuyu, and Akamba, but the Chuka are the most distinct stock and the least touched by foreign influence. As this is a serious anthropological study, it is to be regretted that a summary of the physical measurements taken has not been given in the book.

(1) The Vanishing Tribes of Kenya: a Description of the Manners and Customs of the Primitive and Interesting Tribes dwelling on the Vast Southern Slopes of Mount Kenya, and their Fast Disappearing Native Methods of Life.

By Major G. St. J. Orde Browne. Pp. 284 + 16 plates. (London: Seeley, Service and Co., Ltd., 1925.) 21s. net.

(2) On the Trail of the Bushongo: an Account of a Remarkable and hitherto Unknown African People, their Origin, Art, High Social and Political Organisation and Culture, derived from the Author's Personal Experience amongst them.

By E. Torday. Pp. 286 + 16 plates. (London: Seeley, Service and Co., Ltd., 1925.) 21s. net.

(3) Fresh Tracks in the Belgian Congo: from the Uganda Border to the Mouth of the Congo.

By Hermann Norden. Pp. 303 + 30 plates + 2 maps. (London: Witherby and Co., 1924.) 18s. net.