sibilo, noun

Forms:
Also sebilo, sibillo.
Origin:
Southern Sotho sebilo.
obs.
Powdered black micaceous or iron ore, used as a cosmetic by certain African peoples.
1824 W.J. Burchell Trav. II. 256The sibilo (sibeelo) is found. Hither all the surrounding nations repair for a supply of that ornamental and, in their eyes, valuable substance...This sibilo is a shining, powdery iron-ore of a steel-grey or blueish lustre, and soft and greasy to the touch, its particles adhering to the hands or clothes.
1827 G. Thompson Trav. 166Her hair is shaved in the Bechuana fashion, leaving a bunch on the crown of the head, which is anointed with grease and powdered well with sibillo, a shining mineral powder much in request at the court of the Matclhapees.
1839 W.C. Harris Wild Sports 51Fat and grease of all kinds form their delight: their bodies and skin cloaks being also plentifully anointed with sibilo, a grey iron-ore sparkling like mica, procured from mines in the neighbourhood, which are visited from all parts of the country.
1846 R. Moffat Missionary Labours 66The lower part of their hair is shaven off, and the upper part profusely bedaubed with a paste of butter and sebilo, black shining ochre.
Powdered black micaceous or iron ore, used as a cosmetic by certain African peoples.
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