RECOVERY OF A VALUABLE MAORI RELIC

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 376, 6 December 1898, Page 2

RECOVERY OF A VALUABLE MAORI RELIC

The greenstone " kohamo," or headrest, belonging to the ancient chiefs of the Ngatimahuta tribe, has been discovered by some Maori gumdiggers at Tangirau, near Ngarimvahia, and was brouahL to Huntly on Friday by Ehau, the Maori tohunga, who has recently become somewhat notorious through his.alleged rais* tog from the dead of a young native girl some time ago, and who now claims to have discovered this aucient relic through his incantations. Ehau was accompanied by about 50 natives to present the "kohamo" to Kiue Mahuta, with suitable ceremony. This stone is said to be the only one in existence. It is iu shape an irregular ov&l, beautifully marked and coloured, polished, and is countersunk to fit the back of the head and nape of neck. It is about 18in long, llin wide, and Gin or Tin deep, weighing between 501 b and GOlb. The method of burying chiefs in the ancient time was for the body to be placed in a sitting position, the knees almost touching the chin, the hands being crossed and bound iu front of the legs, in many respects similar to the position of Egyptian mummies now at the British Museum. The kohamo was a veritable Jacob's pillow,or pillar of witness. It was placed at the back of the head and was only removed on the death of another chief. It may easily be understood, therefore, that the restoration of so valuable a relic is the occasion of much joy among the King natives. The ceremony of presentation took place at the king's settlement before a large concourse of natives, and was of a unique character. As the o'd chieftains passed in state before the stone, it was a matter of doubt whether grief or joy predominated, the wailing aud gesticulations speaking little to one mt conversant with Maori customs. After all bad had an opportunity of viewing the stone, it was placed in the sacred custody of King Mahuta, >vho in the name of his illustrious ancestors and on behalf of the Maori race, undertook the safety of the stone, and expressed his gratification at his good fortune iu again becoming the guardian of the royal symbol. It is considered anion" the natives here to be a good omen for the Maori race.— N.Z. Herald.