LEGAS

legas, one of the shangalla group of tribes, regarded as among the purest types of the galla race. they occupy the upper yabus valley, s.w. abyssinia, near the sudan frontier. the legas are physically distinct from the negro shangalla. they are of very light complexion, tall and thin, with narrow hollow-cheeked faces, small heads and high foreheads. the chiefs' families are of more mixed blood, with perceptible negro strain. the legas are estimated to number upwards of a hundred thousand, of whom some 20,000 are warriors. they are, however, a peaceful race, kind to their women and slaves, and energetic agriculturists. formerly independent, they came about 1900 under the sway of abyssinia. the legas are pagans, but mahommedanism has gained many converts among them.