THENGEDZO - PUNISHMENTS Tshikunwe - THE BIG TOE hamu- - A BEATING Shortly before the morning or evening dance is to begin, the master or his assistant beats the bass drum with a characteristic rhythm, called tshilondo. The novices are supposed to assemble in the courtyard, or in the council hut if it is wet. They strip down to their pubic aprons, and often hang their salempore cloaks on the cross-bar of the bass drum. Tshilondo is beaten again, and the master begins the domba song. If any girls arrive after this they are punished. Girls who stay outside the ruler's home and may therefore have some excuse for being late, must join the back of the domba chain, whatever their rank and normal dancing position, and hold their toes while they dance round at least three or four times.

Novices who are late on parade must follow the domba file, holding their toes. Notice the difference in length of hair between the new recruits in front of the file and the old hands at the back.

Girls who stay at the ruler's home have less excuse, and in most cases they are nobles and are expected to set a good example. Their punishment is therefore reinforced with a beating (hamu- ).

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