The Aberdeen weekly. [volume] (Aberdeen, Miss.) 1878-1933, 1878-11-08

Always given W Ihe }|n'oio'
breasts, thighs and the Outer portions
of the calves of the legs are the next
greatest luxuries, and in this category
also may be placed slices cut off from
other portions of the t9dy. All the
parts mentioned belong to the chiefs
and chiefesses, Of high and low ranks,
according to their relative social stat
US, while the rest of the body and the
entrails are savagely devoured by the
common natives. The flesh is eaten
from the hand, and to give it greater
relish is dipped in native saucers. Co.
coanuts, yams and various kinds of
nuts are also among the Sdibles, besides
certain varieties Of fish hut the piece
de resistance is tho hufA portion Of
the spread. While the feasts last. the
greatest hilarity prevails, and after it
is overa fearful drunken orgie follows,
whenever the liquors,nat or ilnpor>
ted, can be procured. Scenes of the
widest RIGHTEOUSNESS accompany the
revel, and for days after the cannibals
are in a state of semi unconsciousness
They quietly retire to their huts and
allow sleep and nature to restore their
shattered constitutions. Sleep is their
great restorative, and after fearful
debauch they will lie as if dead for
space of from ten to fifteen hours.
Mr.. Chase was witness to a fearful
and revolving act OF cannibalism prac-
ticed at the little harbc9 of Atawana
Two years ago. A young and beauti-
full girl had been captured and brought
in canoe TO Atawana. She belonged
to tribe which was fiercely hated by
her captors, and they determined to
avenge themselves upon her. She was
taken out into the center of the vii
lage, stripped naked and bound. Then,
with war-clubs, she was beaten, and
fell as # dead to the ground. But
while life yet fingered, woman Of
Atawana rushed up to the PROSTATE ed
body, and, with a ferocicus yell, dug
her fingers into the eyes of her victim,
plucked them out Of their sockets, and
ate them in the presence of the infuri-
ated and applauding multitude. Afier>
wards, while the body Of the victim
was yet warm, she was disembo wled
and her entrails were taken out and
devoured, the cannibals fighting with
each other for their sharct Her whole
body was then cut TO pieces and di-
vlded up amongst the cannibals pres
ent. While indulging in this almos,
incredible brutality, shouts of joyous
vengeance were heard on every side
The cannibals fairly reveled in de-
vouring every atom ofthe body. They
washed down the flesh eaten with ma.
tive intoxicating drinks, and after the
carnage was concluded triumphant
war dance of vengeance followed.
Great pomp and solemnity surround
victims intended for religious sacrifi
ces, and none but high priests can Of
ficiate in the most solemn ceremonies
The priests have numerous attendants
mostly young boys, who are being cd
ucated tor priestly honors. The VIC
tim selected is usually man Of mott
among his tribe, and while he is in tn,
hands OF his religious torturers pre-
yious to the act of sacrifice, receives
some consideration. When the hou
arrives he is placed upon large stone
to which his body is bound firmly. Th'
priests then chant low walls, whicl
increases in volume until it seems al
if they were sblieking. Charms, spell
and incantations are then brought in
to play,the priests occasionally placing
their hands upon the intended sacri
fee, who never utters word from tn,
time'he is selected as a sacrifice 20 th'
moment OF his death. The instant Sc
lected for performing the operation
being reached, the chief high prizes
advances toward the victim, and, feel
ing for the beating of the heart, an
( nounces to his attendants that he il
5 ready to commence. He then takes
, knife and deliberately cuts out thu
heart, the victim writhing in agon.
during the process. To speak a wor'
f during this frighttul process would b
c,wardice, an evidence that the sacri
flee had acknowledged the power of hi
> enemies. The heart cut out it is hand
E ed to a young priest, who bears it o.
to the highest chief, the priest consid
ering this the greatest honor OF hi
life. The victim quickly expires, an
t then the whole body is cut up and di'
e vlded among those waiting to recelv
7 their portions. The flesh of a religion
$ victim is more highly priced than tha