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SHEIBON

Volume 19 · 139 words · 1815 Edition

a district in Africa, lying on the southeast of the kingdom of Dar-Fur, where much gold is found both in dust and in small pieces. The idolatrous natives and savages collect the dust in quills of the ostrich and vulture, and in that condition dispose of it to the merchants. On discovering a large piece of gold, they kill a sheep on it before it is removed. Their marriage is a simple agreement to cohabit. The slaves brought in great numbers from this quarter, are partly prisoners of war among themselves, and partly seduced by treachery, and sold. In times of scarcity, it is said, a father has been known to sell his children.

There are some Mahometans at Sheibon, who wear clothing, and live among the idolaters; but it is not said whether they are Arabs or not.