African Tribes

Throughout this research paper, as shall be evident, this author is particularly concerned with African tribes, particularly hunters and warriors, and those related components which have to do with them. According to Patrick R. McNaughton, the use of shirts (i.e., the Batakari) by war leaders probably originated in the Muslim areas of northern Ghana, where the Batakari, for example, was collected. They are adorned with small leather type charms sown around tightly folded papers containing written Islamic phrases or geometric diagrams: the charms are believed to have the power to protect the wearer from harm. Similar decorated tunics are worn by hunters in Mall to the north. The use by hunters is probably an older custom; and it may explain the addition of animal elements such as the horns bound in leather and the use of civet cat skin to cover some of the charms. Animal materials add the powers of the bush and its dangerous and stealthy animal spirits to the protective powers of the Islamic charms. The Batakari is fashioned of indigo-dyed, striped, men’s-weave cloth made of narrow strips sown together. While Patrick R. McNaug...