THE KINGDOM OF ANKOLE IN UGANDA 151
power which the natives attribute to Bagyendanwa and the part which it, along with other objects, plays in the life of the people.
Bagyendanwa is the tribal charm or fetish of the Banyankole. In the past, it is said, that at the accession ceremonies human sacrifices were made to it. 'So long as Bagyendanwa remains in Ankole/ the people say, 'so long will the country and the people prosper.' The Banyankole do not think of Bagyendanwa as a symbol of abstract unity, but as a concrete power capable of helping men in need. 'Bagyendanwa is like the Mugabe, only greater. Ankole is the land of Bagyendanwa and we are the people of Bagyendanwa. The Mugabe is his servant', is the way in which a Munyankole describes the power of the drum over the king and the people.
It is difficult to understand the beliefs which the Banyankole hold about Bagyendanwa. They will deny that the drum has a soul like human beings, but will say that it can see and hear and that it knows what is going on in Ankole. The notions held about Bagyendanwa are akin to the beliefs which they hold about the magic horns of the magicians. Like these medicine-filled horns, Bagyendanwa has the power to perform acts, but, unlike these horns, the power in the drum is inherent and not due to the application of medicines. The Banyankole have no special word for this powrer, but describe it as a capacity to perform certain acts. This power or capacity, although inherent, can be reduced by the evil influences of men, things, and events, and the drum has, therefore, to be periodically purified and protected. Furthermore, the drum requires cattle, milk, meat, millet, and beer for its welfare. Although these offerings are given to the drum as offerings by individuals who require its help, the Banyankole believe that the drum must have food to remain strong. Bagyendanwa must be kept warm, so it is usually covered with a bark cloth and the fire is said to add to its comfort. Bagyendanwa is considered a male, and a female drum has been selected for him which is always kept by his side. Attendants must not speak loudly in the presence of the drum, as he is believed to punish such levity.
The Mugabe is a Muhima and has the interests of the Bahima at heart; the Bairu are his serfs. Bagyendanwa is impartial. He is as much interested in the Bairu as in the Bahima. The coa-quered herdsmen, Abatoro, also had the right to offer to Bagyendanwa and used this practice as a way of getting into the good