Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1845-05-29
The CannibaIism of the Feeieeans.

The Canmibalism of the Feeieeans.
The eating of human flesh is not confined to
cases OF sacrifice for religious purposes, bu, i,
is practised from habit and taste. The exis-
tence Of canniballsm, independent of supersti-
tIous notions, has been doubted by many
There can be no question that although it may
have originated as sacred rite, il is continued
In the Fejee group for The mere pleasure of eal-
ing human flesh as food. Their fondness for
il will be understood from the custom they have
of sending portions of ii 10 their friends st
distance, as acceptable presents; and the gifts
eaten, even if decomposition have begun before
it is received. So highly do they esteem this
food, that the greatest praise they can bestow
upon dellcacy is to say that il is as tender
a dead man. Even their sacrifices are made
more frequent, not merely to crafty feelings of
revenge, but to indulge their taste for this hor-
rid food. In respect to this propensity they af-
feet no disguise; have myself frequently spo-
ken with them concerning it; and received but
one answer both from chief and common people,
that it was raaka (good.) The bodies of enc
mics slain in battle are always eaten. The
Feejeeans will, however banquet upon the flesh
of their deares, friends; and it is even related
that in times of Scarcity families will make an
exchange for children for this horrid purpose.
The flesh OF women is preferred TO that Of men;
and they consider the flesh Of the arm above
the elbow, aud of the thigh as The choicest parts;
the women are no, allowed 10 eat il openly; but
il is said that the wives OF chief do parake Of
il in private, Ii is also forbidden to the Kat 81,
or common people, unless there be great guam
,ity; but they have no opportunity of picking the
bones As further instance of these cannibal
propensiiies, and to show that the sacrifice OF
human life 10 crafty their passions and appe-
,ites is almost daily occurrence, feast fre-
quenily takes place among the chiefs. to which
it is required TO bring pig. On these occa-
sions Tanoa, from pride and osentation, always
furnishes human body. A whales tooth is
about the price OF human life, even when the
party slain is of rank, as will be shown by the
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of Tanoa, while passing along The north end o
Oralon in his canoe, deserted fishing party
He al once determined 10 possess himself o
what they had taken; and for the purpose dashed
in among them, and fred his musker. The
shot killed young man, who proved 10 be ;
nephew OF Tui Levuka, the Chief Oralan, ant
was recognised by some of Rivaleila's follow
ers This discovery did mol prevent their car
rying the body 10 Amban TO be feasted upon
bu, in order TO preven. it from being know
there, the face was disigured by broing ii ii
the fire in the canoe. Tanoa, however, sool
became aware of the fact, and forthwith sent
whales tooth 10 Tui Levuka as The value @
his loss together with number OF ll'lle finger
cut from the people of Amban, as propiiona
ry offering. The remuneration was receive
by Tui Levuka as suficien, and no more nc
,ice was taken of The matter Capt. Wakes.
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