MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 May 1938, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES.

DRIED HEADS (Upoko Naroke) (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age”) In 1830, Maori preserved heads were eagerly bought by European museums. Whalers and flax traders began to monopolise the substantial profits in this ghastly traffic, hitherto carried on by enterprising members of their crews. In the earlier days, and for centuries untold, the heads of worthy chiefs were preserved for honour, the sacred law of Tapu effectually protecting them against the touch of any tanagata noa (common person).

After a great battle at Tauranga, the conquering tribe dried the heads of hundreds of their enemies, particularly those skilfully tattooed. A schooner, “Prince of Denmark,” took some four score in exchange for as many flint lock muskets. On calling at Kororareka the vessel was visited by many Maoris intent on trade. In a tipsy condition, the Captain emptied a dozen heads on the deck from a sack. The Maoris recognised the features of fathers or brothers' and fled from the ship, crying aloud in their distress. Realising the danger of revenge, the Captain put to sea. The matter was reported to Governor Darling of New South Wales, who issued an order against this degradation in the Sydney Gazette of 16th April, 1831, calling upon the Captain to deliver the heads for return to the relatives, with a fine of £4O and the publication of the names of all persons concerned in the degrading traffic. Public sentiment, more than the dread of punishment completely stopped this disgraceful trade. In 1840, a United States exploration party came to New Zealand, and after a long search secured two heads from the steward of a missionary brig at the Bay of Islands, the very last person or place where they expected to find them.