244 



THE NICOBARESE 



same kind of implement as was in general use among the Nico- 

 barese before the introduction of iron heads.* 



Fifty and more years ago, the natives obtained numbers of 

 muskets — of which they were much afraid — by barter with European 

 traders ; but recently the Indian Government has prohibited the 



1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 



I, Shorn Pen Spear (Great Nicohar). 2 and 3, " Hanoi cha" Canoe Decorations for bow, stem, and 

 outrigger (Kar Nicobar). 4, Turtle Spear. 5 and 6, Wooden Fishing Spears. 7, Ornamental 

 Canoe Stern-piece, ^'^ Misoka ap" (Kar Nicobar). 8, 9, and 10, Iron Fishing Spears. 



possession of these weapons, and whenever any are discovered they 

 are immediately confiscated. 



* "Their favourite weapons are javelins, which they throw fifty yards ; they 

 often poison the point with a subtle drug." — Chopard, _/. /. A., 1847. 



"Lances with points of iron or hardened wood." — Scherzer, Cruise of the 

 Novara, 1858 ; and see p. 281. 



