48 THE LIVING RACES OF MANKIND 



response to the demand of European collectors the supply increased to an alarming extent. 

 No man with a well-tattooed face was safe. Slaves were frequently killed for the sake of their 

 heads, which were afterwards tattooed in the same way as men of high rank. A chief once 

 said to an English purchaser of heads: "Choose which of these heads you like best" pointing 

 to some of his own people "and when you come back I will have it dried and ready for your 

 acceptance." Needless to say, the offer was refused. 



The extraordinary system of taboo, or tapu, which extends all through Polynesia, with 

 local variations, was formerly in great force among the Maoris. Briefly, it is a law of 

 prohibition, as the word implies. In countries where an organised government has been 

 established, the taboo is unnecessary (except for purely social purposes; as, for example, in 

 connection with clubs or social gatherings). But with a primitive people, living only under 

 chiefs, the system takes the place of an elaborate code of laws. The taboo in Polynesia 

 protects both property and morals, the former more than the latter. For example: when 

 a man has carefully cultivated a field of sweet potatoes, he sends for the priest, who lays a 

 taboo on the field, and henceforth no man, woman, or child dare to venture thereon again; 

 a canoe is hauled up on the beach and left unguarded, but the owner need have no fear 

 lest any one should steal it, because he has already placed on it the taboo mark. With regard 

 to morals, a married woman is taboo to all men but her husband; so is a young girl to 

 all except her betrothed. Another taboo is connected with death. If a man falls overboard 

 from a canoe and is drowned, that canoe henceforth may never be used again; it is taboo. 



The head of a chief is so sacred that no one is allowed even to make mention of it! 

 Europeans have sometimes given very great offence by disregarding this strange superstition. 



The Maoris have no written language, but their history has been faithfully preserved in numerous 

 lengthy songs, legends, and traditions, handed down with the utmost care from one generation to 

 another. They gave names to stars, to birds, plants, rocks, and even insects. They excelled greatly in 

 oratory. In bygone days every chief was expected to be an orator and a poet, as well as a hunter. 



Photo by Burton Bros.\ 



[Dunedin. 



A FAMILY GROUP OF MAORIS. 



