text: The monopoly system which came into existence for many articles gave to the chief not only an elevated economic position but a superior -political position as well. This position was utilized not only for the further strengthening of their political and economic influence within their own tribal group, but appears to have been frequently exploited in attacks on neighboring tribes, both for the purpose of extending their influence and of securing slaves and other loot to be traded to the Arabs.  
  While such a development was far from being the normal occurrence, this indirect result of Arab intrusion had a marked effect upon substantial sections of Africa and appears to have been deepened as Arab influence extended over the course of centuries. This Arabian impact was keenly felt by the early European travelers in Africa.  
  In the Sudan region, Arab, or better, Moslem influence upon the political and cultural structure was much more direct. Here, under the impetus of religious fervor, Moslems began to conquer and to convert large areas. This movement which began towards the end  
  ![img-5.jpeg](img_ref_6)  
  Fig. 6. Wooden cup in form of a human head of the Bakongo, Kasi district of the Belgian Congo. (height 15.3 cm .)