The leg-bones are much shorter than those of the arm. The heads of the
femurs stand out plainly from their short necks and large trochanters,
as segments of perfect spheres. In this case, as in that of other
anthropoids, the third trochanter (_trochanteres tertii_), often so
apparent in the human femur, is barely indicated. The shank-bones are
arched. The tibia is often laterally compressed, so that its transverse
section forms a scalene triangle. The malleoli are compressed from
before backwards. The elongated heel-bones appear to be laterally
compressed. The canal between the astragalus and the os calcis (_Sinus
tarsi_) is very wide. The metatarsal bones and phalanges have large
bases, long slender shafts, and heads projecting on the under side.
Even the final phalanges are long and slender.
[Illustration: Fig. 24.--The Zulu king, Ketchwayo, in fighting array,
with two of his men.]
We shall now find it profitable to compare the external characters of
anthropoids with those of man. We are sometimes disposed to see the
true likenesses of anthropoid apes in dark-skinned, naked savages.
These savages are often insufficiently fed, the skin is wrinkled,
the face, even at an early age, is deeply furrowed, and their general
appearance is neglected. The dark silhouette of such people stands
out so distinctly against a clear background, their habit of life
is so rude, their attitudes impress us so disagreeably, that we
are involuntarily led to make such a comparison. This tendency
unfortunately gives a wide field for exaggeration among dilettanti
naturalists, and such as are zealous to establish a preconceived
theory. A conscientious inquirer must, however, be cautious, and avoid
too great generalization in such comparisons. For instance, much has
been said of the pithecoid structure of all African negroes, yet this
only applies to some peculiarly hideous races, in a state of physical
degradation. There are many negro tribes in different parts of Africa
which are remarkable for their well-formed bodies, and for a not
ignoble bearing. The warlike demeanour of the natives of Ashanti,
Dahomey, and Ibos is well known. Although the Hausanese are flat-nosed
and thick-lipped, yet when armed and dressed in uniform, as we see
in the photographs of Captain Glover’s force, their military bearing
is very apparent. The tribes of Schilluk, Nuehr, Bari, Niam-Niam,
and A-Bantu present examples of distinguished warriors, however rude
and savage. Dabulamanzi, commander of the Zulus at the butcheries of
Isandlhwana and Ulundi, and his chiefs, give me, in a photograph in my
possession, the impression of gallant warriors, however uncivilized.
In all these cases it is difficult to establish the resemblance to
anthropoid apes (see also Fig. 24).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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