2-888-730 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Jujuh-House, or House of Worship, 1850. Building '...used by the natives of Western Africa. It assumes a curious and savage appearance, inasmuch as it is chiefly constructed of the skulls of captives taken in war; and in the centre, the Gawna. It is considered the chief Jujuh, which is stuffed and placed as you see in the Sketch. This animal is allowed to roam about the towns unmolested; in fact, should a native be seen hurting it in any way, death would be his reward...You will observe the heads with feathers stuck into the sides: they represent the skulls of chiefs. A few elephants' tusks are thrown before the altar, gifts of rich natives to their Jujuh; on the left there is an earthenware vessel, constantly kept filled with rum, for the use of the Jujuh...Human sacrifice is common, but always kept a secret from the traders of England'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.