Berbers
a people spread over nearly the whole of northern Africa west of Egypt, from whom the name Barbary is derived. The chief branches into which the Berbers are divided are, first, the Amazirgh, or Amazigh, of northern Morocco, numbering from 2,000,000 to 2,- 500,00C. They are for the most part quite independent of the Sultan of Morocco, and live partly under chieftains and hereditary princes and partly in small republican communities. Second, the Shulluh, Shillooh, or Shellakah who number about 1,450,000, and inhabit southern Morocco. They are more highly civilized than the Amazirgh. Third, the Kabyles in Algeria and Tunis, who are said to number 1,000,000; and fourth, the Berbers of the he Sahara, who inhabit the oases. Among the Sahara Berbers the most remarkable are the Beni-Mzâh and the Tuaregs. To these might be added the Guanches of the Canary Islands, now extinct, but undoubtedly of the same race.
The Berbers generally are about the middle height; their complexion is brown, and sometimes almost black, with brown and glossy hair. They are sparely built, but robust and graceful; the features approach the European type. Their lan- BERBICE guage has affinities to the Semitic group, but Arabic is spoken along the coast.
They are believed to represent the ancient Mauritanians, Numidians, Gætulians, etc. The Berbers live in huts or houses, and practice various industries.
Thus they smelt iron, copper, and lead; manufacture gun barrels, implements of husbandry, etc., knives, swords, gunpowder, and a species of black soap. Some of the tribes breed mules, asses, and stock in considerable numbers, others practice agriculture.