MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 December 1938, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

MAKUTU. (Recorded by J.H.S. tor “Times-Age.”) Intimately associated with the universal Maori belief in the law of Tapu is the same prevalent idea that an evil spirit (wairua) has entered the body of every sufferer. They firmly believe any breach of this law whether by neglect, wilful, accidental, or by the act of another, causes the anger of one or other of the personified ,Atua (gods of nature), who send a Wairua Potiki (Infant. Spirit) to enter the body and feed upon the vitals of the victim. The pSason why an infant is selected, being its love of mischief, and because it has not lived long enough to have acquired earthly friendships to whom mercy might be shown. When a sick person cannot remember any breach of Tapu, he has to consult a Matakite (Seer) and a Tohunga (skilled person) to discover the crime and suffering, and to use the proper means to appease the anger of the Atua (god). ■ /

No Maori would dare to spit in the presence of an unfriendly person who knows the art of Makutu (cursing) because. any moisture from the tongue or scraps of food obtained by an enemy enables him to cause suffering to another. With such strange belief as to the sole cause of weakness, sickness, and suffering it was remarkable that its remedies were the sole prerogative of the Tohunga, the Matakite, or the Ariki, whose functions were those of the doctor, chemist, and masseur, but without reward, except the glory and honour of gratitude and confidence of their people.