PAGAN TRIBES . OF THE NILOTIC SUDAN -
By C. G. and B. Z. Seligman
This is the second volume of a series planned to cover the ethnology of Africa, and we may say at once that it will prove invaluable, not only to the professional anthropologist, but also to all those whose work takes them to the southern Sudan in any capacity whatsoever. Much of the field covered by this imposing volume has been studied personally by the authors, and their own researches have been supplemented both by first-hand information provided by residents and by the publications of early explorers and administrators. SOme twenty tribes come under review, and the close analysis of their beliefs and customs will, as Sir Harold MacMichael writes in a brief introduction, " prove a godsend to the administrator, for his need to understard more frilly the politico-religious outlook of the tribes committed to his charge has been constantly before the authors." The preliminary conspectus, in which the various cultural trends and the clues to racial origins are fully considered, -serves to knit together the more individual treatment of the subsequent chapters, and. should. prove, to be of exceptional interest. It only remains to saysiiice a critical review lied outside the scope of this notice—that the facts and deductions are both lucidly and agreeably presented, the , production (Routledge, 42s.) is attractive, and the text is embellished by an unusual number of plates and line drawings. A map and an index complete an excellent volume.
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