Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 May 1893 — AMONG THE MAORIS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

AMONG THE MAORIS.

Soqas of the Customs of This Interesting Bice. " Tattooing Is practiced among all the Maori tribe of New Zealand, writes Edward Tregear In Popular Science Monthly, but the full tattooing of a brave takes place only after he has distinguished Mmself in war. The person undergoing the process is prohibited from eating fish, the fish is held up to see the tattoo-

ing. No gourd or calabash must he eaten from if children have playfully made tattooing marks upon it. The priest and all the people are tabu on account of the blood during the operation. Girls among the Maoris were given great license from a very early age in the matter of lovers. When a girl married she became tabu to her husband. Anyone outside the relation of brother or sister could marry, although marriage of first cousins was greatly disliked. Polygamy prevailed among those who could afford it, hut as the tribe supported all in food the mean men would be prevented, in some way or other, from

having large establishments. Generally girls began the courting.and most peculiar was their method. The young of both sexes would assemble in a building for play, songs,’ dances, etc., and when the fire had burned low a girl would stand up and say: “I love and I want him for my husband.” If he coughed (a sign of assent) or said “yes,” all was well; but if only silence followed the girl covered herself with her robe and was ashamed. Generally the girl ascertained beforehand if her proposal would be acceptable.

A TATTOOED MAORI CHIEF.

A MOGRI WOMAN.