Their average height was about five feet six inches,
but men from six feet to six feet six inches were not uncommon.
Their point of honour was revenge, and a man who remained quiet while
the manes of his friend or relation were unappeased by the blood of
the enemy, would be dishonoured among his tribe.
The Maoris were in reality loath to fight, and war was never begun
until after long talk. Their object was to exterminate or enslave
their enemies, and they ate the slain.
Before commencing hostilities, the warriors endeavoured to put fear
into the hearts of their opponents by enumerating the names of the
fathers, uncles, or brothers of those in the hostile tribe whom they
had slain and eaten in former battles. When a fight was progressing
the women looked on from the rear. They were naked to the waist, and
wore skirts of matting made from flax. As soon as a head was cut off
they ran forward, and brought it away, leaving the body on the
ground. If many were slain it was sometimes difficult to discover to
what body each head had belonged, whether it was that of a friend or
a foe, and it was lawful to bake the bodies of enemies only.
Notwithstanding their peculiar customs, one who knew the Maoris well
described them as the most patient, equable, forgiving people in the
world, but full of superstitious ideas, which foreigners could not
understand.
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