Note 52 — Chapter XV

The word is probably some barbarian term Grecised. It has three popular derivations—the Scythian, Amm Azzon, which the Greeks interpreted, “without breasts”; ἄνευ μὰζου, without a breast (the right), mythically believed to have been removed for the better use of the bow; thirdly, ἄμαζωσας, or women living together. In Dahome the soldieresses have two titles, Akho-’si, also applied to the eunuchry, means king’s (Akhosu) wife (’si). The other and equally popular name is Mi-no, our (mi) mothers (no). The system of motherhood is completely mistaken by Mr. Duncan (vol. i. p. 228). The commonalty rarely know their ranks and titles, and scarcely even their private names. The doings inside the palace are always spoken of sotto voce. The Anglo-African calls them “Ama-johns,” for which also a derivation might perhaps be found.