Makaraka - Encyclopedia

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES

MAKARAKA, or Iddio ("Cannibals"), a negroid people of Central Africa, closely related to the powerful Azandeh or NiamNiam race, occupying the Bahr-el-Ghazal west of Lado. They came originally from the country of the Kibas, north of the Welle. Dr W. Junker described them as among the most trustworthy, industrious and intelligent people 'of the Bahr-el-Ghazal. They are a reddish-black, with nose less flat and cheek-bones less prominent than the ordinary negroes, and, unlike the latter, do not extract the incisors. Their long silky hair is built up in the most fantastic form by means of vegetable substances. They are well-known for strength and staying power.

See W. Junker, Travels in Africa (1890-1892).