The Tropical World Aspects of man and nature in the equatorial regions of the globe.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE PAPUANS AND POLYNESIANS.
The Papuans--Their Physical and Moral Characteristics--Their Artistic Tastes--Their Dwellings--Their Primitive Political Institutions--Their Weapons and Mode of Fighting--The Polynesians--Their Manners and Customs when first visited by Europeans--Tattooing--The Tapa Cloth--Their Canoes--Swimming Feats--Aristocratic Forms of Government--The Tabu--Religion-- Superstitious Observances--Human Sacrifices--Infanticide--Low Condition of the Coral Islanders 276