Human Heads among the New Zealanders. 217 



to thirty hours. After the head is prepared, it is removed from 

 the oven, placed upon a stick in the sun, and is frequently 

 oiled, but this latter process is not considered necessary for its 

 preservation, but is intended only to give it a more finished 

 appearance. The adoption of this simple, but at the same 

 time excellent method of preserving the human heads, would 

 enable a valuable series to be formed, illustrative of the varieties 

 of the human race. 



The object of the natives in thus preparing the heads of 

 their enemies, is to preserve them as trophies, as well as for 

 the gratification of their revengeful feelings; they exhibit 

 them in their war-dances, holding them up as objects of con- 

 tempt and ridicule ; and when advancing to battle, they display 

 them before the hostile party, and accompany the exhibition 

 by arrogant and insulting speeches. They generally consider 

 these heads as tokens of victory ; they are brought home by 

 the conquerors to their wives and children, that they also may 

 have an opportunity of rejoicing with them over their fallen 

 enemies, and they offer them to the spirits as a thanksgiving 

 for victory. At the Bay of Islands, Hookianja, North 

 Cape, &c., the chiefs who die (with but few exceptions) are 

 buried unmutilated ; but at the Thames, East Cape, &c., the 

 heads of the chiefs are generally preserved, both out of respect 

 for the deceased, and to show to those of his relations who 

 are absent at the time of his death. These heads are never 

 sold, the heads of their enemies only being thus disposed of as 

 a mark of contempt towards them. 



One of the heads in my possession (and of which a drawing 

 is annexed) I purchased at the river Thames, and, what is 

 rather unusual, was able in this instance to procure the name, 

 rank, character, &c. of the individual, and it was procured 

 from the chief by whom he had been slain. He was named 

 BOLA ; his father's name was Tumau, and he was a young 

 chief of the district of Wigato, at the river Thames. His age 

 was supposed to be about eighteen years, and he had not long 

 been tattooed, the whole of which process was not completed 

 at the time of his death. He was described as being a great 

 warrior for his age, and a very enterprising character, always 

 endeavouring to be the first in battle, and to kill the first man, 



Q 2 



