THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



A very probable theory, and one which is strongly supported 

 by much internal evidence, is that of the origin of the practice 

 in some ceremony of a religious nature, and its gradual develop- 

 ment into a feast of revenge, and from that to a regular established 

 taste. In whatever manner first originated, it is certain that the 

 taste for human flesh acquired a very firm hold on the people, 

 and may, indeed, be said to have developed into a craving. 

 When the Fijians were excited by the wild frenzy of the meke 

 ni bokola, or cannibal dance, the desire for human flesh became 

 practically irresistible. 



In the mode of preparation of the bodies and the ceremonies 

 which surrounded the cannibal feast there was great similarity 

 amongst the Fijians and the Maoris. Important events, such 

 as the different stages of the building of a temple, or a chief's 

 house, or a large canoe, were celebrated by a grand feast, at 

 which human bodies formed an important item. On the whole, 

 the Fijians appear to have been even more inveterate cannibals 

 than the Maoris, which is a little surprising when we contrast 

 the dispositions of the two races. The Fijian is a bright, laughter- 

 loving individual, like his own sunny skies, fond of fun and 

 joking. On the other hand, the Maori is grim and dignified; 

 and, although athletic and fond of games of skill, is of a grave 

 and taciturn disposition. 



Let us consider first, in a general way, the cannibal customs of 

 the Fijians. Suppose some event, such as the construction of a 

 large canoe, requires the celebration of the indispensable feast. 

 The warriors, painted and adorned with all their wild finery, 

 assemble in the rara, or village green ; a special meke-meke or 

 dance is indulged in, which has the effect of working them into a 

 state of violent excitement. The party then start off, either in 

 canoes or by land, to secure victims. It was of little consequence 

 where they went, for in those evil old days each tribe was at war 

 with its neighbours, and so all were foes. Usually stratagem was 

 resorted to, and the hapless victims were surprised when working 

 in their cultivated ground or engaged in other ordinary pursuits, 

 and either summarily clubbed or securely bound and carried 

 away in triumph. 



In the case of tribal wars the victorious party would return 

 bringing the prisoners and as many of the bodies of the slain enemy 

 as they could secure. The bodies were generally carefully cleaned 

 and dismembered for cooking, but sometimes when the feast was 

 on a large scale and there were many victims they were cooked 

 whole. 



Death was usually administered by clubbing on the head, the 

 chiefs and leading men taking the privilege of killing the victims. 

 At other times the prisoner was run violently against a tree or 

 stone, and his skull so fractured. In the island of Bau, in Fiji, 



