112, VojjiKje of the Novara. 



comprises the face, the hips, and the upper surface of the 

 thigh as far as the knee. Every separate tattooing has its 

 appropriate name and its special position. Dieffenbach 

 comits 17, and Richmond Taylor 19 of these, distinguishable 

 by their several markings. 



The operation is of so severe a nature, that very frequently 

 it cannot be completed without endangering the life of the 

 individual. Only one instance is on record, in which a 

 native sat out the whole formidable process at one sitting, 

 and he died just as the last line was finished. Usually the 

 first tattooing took place at the 18th year, and was continued 

 at various intervals. During the process, the patient lies on 

 the ground with his head reposing on the bosom of the 

 ToJmnga, who holds the '' Uhi " in his left hand, and the " Ta " 

 or " Tuki " in his right, which he strikes upon the former 

 w^th a rapid constant motion. As soon as an incision is 

 made, the blood is wi^^ed off with a piece of fine flax, and 

 the colouring matter rubbed in. While this is going on the 

 priests and the friends standing by keep up a continual chant, 

 in order to cheer the patient and stimulate his courage. 



After the operation the face swells, and for some time pre- 

 sents a downright hideous appearance, and instances have 

 occurred in which it has been permanently distorted. Usu- 

 ally, however, the wounds heal after ten or twelve days, 

 when the incised lines made by the '' Uhi " present a bluish- 

 black appearance. 



With the women tlie operation is much more simple, being 



