This expression referred to certain freed slaves who had to guard the family tomb and would revert to slavery if they left the village where the master’s tomb was located. They were compared to white birds that follow the zebus to pick insects, indicating the necessary constancy and loyalty. In a broader sense, this proverb is used to emphasize the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to a commitment or mission. An equivalent English proverb could be ‘Loyalty begets loyalty’.