THE HEADS OF THEIR ENEMIES. 133 
not now be perfectly preserved, which is but 
rarely the case, or should there be any internal 
or external appearance of putrefaction, it is 
again steamed: this operation is continued till 
the skin is so thoroughly dry, and all other 
soft matter removed or destroyed, as to ensure it 
against decomposition, unless much exposed to a 
humid atmosphere. 
When the head of a friend is preserved, as is 
the case on his being slain in battle and it has not 
been possible to carry off the whole body, the head 
is deposited in the sacred grove ; and when a friend 
or near relation visits the village, it is taken out, 
in order that he may weep over it, and cherish 
the spirit of revenge against those by whom he 
fell. The head is generally placed in some con- 
spicuous part of the residence, on a piece of fence, 
or on the ornament of the roof, over the door- 
way of a house. The stranger is then led to the 
spot, and his eyes are directed to the ghastly ob- 
ject before him ; when he immediately assumes the 
attitude of grief, stands in front of the skeleton 
head, with his body bent almost to the earth, the 
big tear rolling down his manly cheeks, and in 
the most melancholy tones gives utterance, to 
the overpowering feelings of his heart; till at 
length, as his grief subsides, he works himself 
up into a fit of rage bordering upon madness ; 
at which time, it is well for all poor slaves, both 
male and female, to keep out of sight, or he 
might slay one, or more, as a satisfaction to the 
