Note.—Tattoo is a Polynesian word, not in use among the Maori. A skilful professor of the art of moko and whakairo (face and body decoration) was held in rare esteem. Instances are on record of slaves having vastly improved their status by the artistic use of the lancet and mallet employed in tattooing.
FOOTNOTES:
[19] White man. Literally, "stranger," as opposed to Maori, "native."
[20] Really, He mea hi no Maui, "A thing fished up by Maui."
[21] Mount Egmont.
[22] Metrosideros robusta. It belongs to the myrtle order, and is one of the most ornamental trees in the New Zealand bush.
[23] Clianthus puniceus. New Zealand pea.
[24] A variety of clematis. In the flowering season the effect of the white stars amid the dark green of the overhead foliage is most beautiful.
[25] This was done with a pair of cockle-shells, which in Maoriland represented the volsellae of the Romans, and our modern tweezers.