The term wanonkathe was used in reference to murder, or to any act which caused personal injury to another, even if it was unpremeditated. In the latter case the act would be condoned by gifts made to the injured party or his relatives. Deliberate murder was punished by banishment. When the knowledge of such a deed was brought to the notice of the chiefs, banishment was ordered, the offender was told of the decision, and he obeyed. Banishment was four years, unless the man was sooner forgiven by the relatives of the murdered man. During this period the man had to camp outside the village and could hold no communication with anyone except his nearest kindred, who were permitted to see him. He was obliged to wear night and day a close-fitting garment of skin, covering his body and legs, and was not allowed to remove this covering during his punishment. His wife could carry him food but he was obliged to live apart from his family and to be entirely alone during the period of his exile.¹

¹Fletchern/an/an/an/an/an/a and La Fleschen/an/an/an/an/an/a, , 215.