Overview:
The Last Journals of David Livingstone, in Central Africa, from 1865 to His Death, Volume I (of 2), 1866-1868, is a fascinating firsthand account of the famed explorer’s final expedition. Through Livingstone’s detailed observations, we journey across treacherous landscapes, encounter diverse tribes, and witness the devastating impact of the slave trade. His journals are a testament to his unwavering determination to abolish slavery and map the sources of the Nile.
Livingstone’s journals offer a rich tapestry of information. He meticulously documents his travels, recording not only geographical details but also his encounters with the native people, their customs, and their beliefs. We gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Livingstone and his men, from harsh weather conditions and disease to the constant threat of violence and the insidious effects of the slave trade.
Key Findings:
- Slave Trade Horrors: Livingstone documents the brutal realities of the slave trade, detailing the horrific treatment of slaves, their forced marches, and the numerous deaths along the way.
- The Mazitu Threat: The Mazitu tribe terrorized the region, plundering villages, stealing livestock, and kidnapping people for the slave trade. Their fearsome reputation created chaos and disruption throughout the region.
- Geological Observations: Livingstone makes insightful observations about the geology of the region, including the presence of coal, iron, and copper deposits, as well as the tilt of rocks near Lake Liemba.
- Lake Bangweolo Discovery: Livingstone provides the first detailed account of Lake Bangweolo, emphasizing its immense size and potential importance as a source of the Nile.
Learning:
- The Slave Trade’s Impact: Readers will learn about the profound and destructive impact of the slave trade on the native people, their economies, and their cultures.
- African Diversity: The journals reveal the vast diversity of tribes and their distinct cultures, languages, and traditions across Central Africa.
- Resilience of the Native People: Readers will gain insight into the resilience of the native people, who have long endured hardship, violence, and the disruption of their traditional lives.
- Livingstone’s Legacy: The journals offer a glimpse into Livingstone’s relentless drive, his dedication to abolishing slavery, and his ambition to map and explore the region, leaving a lasting legacy of geographical and anthropological knowledge.
Historical Context:
The journals were written between 1866-1868, a time of significant social and political change in Africa. The European powers were increasing their presence on the continent, the slave trade was still a prevalent force, and exploration was rapidly transforming the map of Africa. Livingstone’s expedition was part of this wider context, contributing to both the understanding of the region and the efforts to combat slavery.
Facts:
- Tsetse Fly: The tsetse fly inflicts a bite that causes sickness and often death in oxen, horses, and dogs.
- Iron Smelting: The native people used a variety of methods for smelting iron, including using bellows and charcoal.
- Gum Copal: The gum copal tree was a source of a valuable resin used for trading.
- Ordeal Poison: “Muavé” or ordeal poison was used for determining guilt or innocence in disputes.
- Rain-Making: Rain-making ceremonies were common in many tribes, with specific rituals and prayers to the deity.
- Cannibalism: Cannibalism was reported in the region, but the details are often unclear and subject to exaggeration.
- Tattooing: Different tribes used distinctive tattoos as a form of ornamentation and to identify their members.
- Lip Rings: The lip ring was a common adornment for women, often seen as a sign of beauty.
- Earth Sponges: The “earthen sponges” played a significant role in the water cycle, influencing river inundations.
- Cairns: Cairns or piles of stones were used as markers for boundaries, burial places, and other significant locations.
- Hippopotamus: Hippopotamus are widespread, living in lakes and rivers and causing some danger to humans.
- Hunting Methods: The natives employed a variety of hunting methods, including using bows and arrows, nets, traps, and spears.
- Elephant Spears: The large elephant spears were used in hunting elephants and required great skill and bravery.
- Bees: Various species of bees were found, with their honey being a valuable food source.
- Bark Cloth: Bark cloth was a common material for clothing, made by a process of soaking, stripping, and tapping the bark.
- Food Preservation: Dried and fire-dried fish, meat, and fruits were common forms of food preservation.
- Underground Dwellings: Large underground dwellings were reported in Rua and believed to have been created by God.
- Goitre: Goitre, or Derbyshire neck, was a common condition in certain areas, possibly related to water quality or mineral deficiency.
- Palm Oil: The palm oil palm was found in certain regions, and its oil was used for food and other purposes.
- Earthquakes: Earthquakes were common, sometimes associated with hot springs or volcanic activity.
- Deity: The native people believed in a supreme deity, often referred to as “Mulungu” or “Réza,” but their understanding and beliefs were often mixed with superstitions.
Statistics:
- Rainfall: The average annual rainfall in the region was 42-53 inches.
- Altitude: The highest point reached was over 6,000 feet above sea level.
- Lake Bangweolo Size: Estimated to be 150 miles long and 80 miles wide.
- Slave Gang Size: Arab slave gangs commonly numbered 300-800 slaves.
- Slave Prices: Young slaves could be purchased for as little as seven dollars, while older slaves fetched higher prices.
- Ivory: One pound of white oblong beads could buy a large tusk of ivory.
- Copper: A large jar of ground-nut oil could be purchased for one hoe.
- Elephant Spears: The spears used for hunting elephants could be up to eight feet long.
- Buffaloes: Large herds of buffaloes were encountered in many areas.
- Masuko Fruit: The Masuko fruit is plentiful in the region and is a significant food source for the native people.
- Cassava: Cassava is widely cultivated and is a staple food for many tribes.
- Ground-Nuts: Ground-nuts are used as food and for the production of oil.
- Palm Oil: As much as 300 gallons of palm oil could be traded in Ujiji’s bazaar in one morning.
- Goats: A goat could be purchased for one string of beads in Bangweolo but cost six strings in Kabwabwata.
- Copper: Copper bars could weigh up to 100 lbs.
- Ivory: Syde bin Habib accumulated 150 frasilahs (5,250 lbs.) of ivory during his travels.
- Population: Casembe’s town was estimated to have a population of less than 1,000 people.
- Distance: The journey from Kabwabwata to Lake Tanganyika was said to be 13 days’ march.
Terms:
- Ajawa: A Waiyau tribe inhabiting the region north of the Rovuma River.
- Babisa: A tribe known for their marauding habits and their distinctive physical features.
- Banyamwezi: A tribe known for their trading activities and their use of muskets.
- Balunda: A tribe inhabiting the region west of the Kalongosi River.
- Babemba: A tribe known for their warlike nature and their stockaded villages.
- Bausé: A tribe inhabiting a region further south of the Imbozhwa.
- Bhang: A species of hemp used for smoking and known for its intoxicating qualities.
- Buazé: A strong fiber obtained from a shrub and used for making a coarse type of cloth.
- Hopo: A funnel-shaped fence used for hunting large game.
- Muavé: A poison used in ordeal ceremonies.
- Milandos: Petty lawsuits or disputes.
- Mopané: A tree with hard wood, also known as “Pao Ferro” by the Portuguese.
- Nkola: A red pigment used for coloring and ornamentation, derived from camwood.
- Pombe: Native beer.
- Nsima: Porridge.
- Shuaré: The Raphia palm.
- Nyumbo: A plant whose root is edible and used for tanning.
- Nyassi: Long coarse grass, common in the region.
- Nkisi: Wooden idols representing the features of the people, used in rituals and ceremonies.
Examples:
- Chirikaloma’s Wife: A relative of the chief Chirikaloma was unjustly imprisoned in a slave stick and liberated by Livingstone.
- The Slave Gang: Livingstone encounters a slave gang of 85, primarily young boys, led by Arab traders.
- The Escape of the Slaves: Syde bin Habib’s slaves ran away from him after being considered safe on the other side of the Lualaba River.
- The Lion’s Attack: A lion attacks a village hut and kills two men while they are sleeping inside.
- The Honey-Guide: Honey hunters use the honey-guide bird to lead them to bees’ nests.
- The Rain Dance: Women in the region perform rain dances to petition the deity for rainfall.
- The Earthquake: Livingstone experiences an earthquake while in Chitimba’s village and observes its effects on the chronometers.
- The Ordeal Poison: Chitikola, the chief, uses “Muavé” poison in a dispute to determine innocence, with the accused vomiting after consuming the poison.
- The Underground Dwellings: Livingstone hears tales of extensive underground dwellings in the Rua country, said to have been created by God.
- The Elephant’s Attack: An elephant attacks a village hut and destroys the roof, forcing the villagers to defend themselves with spears.
Conclusion:
The Last Journals of David Livingstone, in Central Africa, from 1865 to His Death, Volume I (of 2), 1866-1868, offers a unique and invaluable perspective on the exploration of Central Africa during a pivotal time. Livingstone’s relentless pursuit of geographical knowledge and his dedication to abolishing the slave trade are evident throughout the journals, as are the challenges and complexities of navigating a vast and diverse region.
Readers will encounter a world of stark contrasts, from the beauty of the landscapes to the brutal realities of the slave trade. The journals also highlight the strength and resilience of the native people, their diverse cultures, and their belief systems, often intertwined with superstitions and fears.
Livingstone’s detailed observations of the geography, geology, and natural phenomena of Central Africa, alongside his insightful accounts of the cultures he encountered, provide a rich and invaluable resource for understanding a pivotal era in African history.