lUOM rilK NKW IlKIilUDES. CAMKKON. 429 



from which they are continued downward and very slightly 

 inward to the lower edge of the mask, where they are separated 

 by a distance of 9.1 c. m. measured over the tip of the chin. 



The ciuestion of the meaning and significance of these 

 masks provides much material for thought and reflection. 

 I can find no reference to them in "The Life of Dr. John 

 Geddic," which otherwise gives an elaborate account of 

 the habits, customs, beliefs, and superstitions of the inhab- 

 itants of the New Hebrides. '^^^' Dr. Annanct in his letter 

 (see page 405) mentions that in some Islands the body is 

 encased in clay immediately after death. In the case of 

 these skulls, however, it is quite evident that the masks 

 had been moulded directly on the bone surface, which meant 

 that the skulls had probably lain in the earth for years. 

 They certainly look as if they had been inhumed for a pro- 

 longed period of time, and this theory is supported by the 

 loss of several of the teeth from both skulls, their sockets 

 being left intact. Besides, the cocoanut fibre which formed 

 the background of the masks is tucked under the zygomatic 

 arches and into the orbits, while a plug exactly fits the 

 anterior nasal aperture of both the skulls. A few dried 

 shreds representing decayed scalp could be noted adhering 

 to the parietal and occipital regions of Xo. 2 skull. 



The first point that strikes one on studying the decorations 

 on the mask of No. 1 skull is their resemblance in some ways, 

 to the circular design found tattooed on the foreheads, 

 cheeks, and chins of Maori chiefs nowadays. The Maoris, 

 it may be noted, are Polynesians. The heads of many of 

 these great chiefs were afterwards embalmed and carefully 

 preserved as relics. With the knowledge of this Polynesian 

 custom in one's mind it was certainly remarkable to find 

 that No. 1 skull which possessed definite Melanesian cranial 

 indices was provided with a clay mask exhibiting Polynesian 

 facial features, and decorated in a style also suggesting 

 Polynesian influence and inspiration. It is possible then, 



