Polynesians. The chief stock of the [Indonesian] (q.v.) family, the tall, brown-skinned race of Caucasic type who inhabit the chief islands of the Eastern Pacific, and are generally known as South Sea Islanders. Their chief races are the [Maoris] (q.v.) of New Zealand, the Marquesans, Tahitians, Tongans and Samoans, besides the natives of Easter, Gambier, Hervey, and other smaller islands. They are of tall stature—only surpassed by the Patagonians—muscular frame, regular and often handsome features, with brown skins, square jaws, and broad skulls. They probably originated in Malaysia, where they are still represented by the Battaks of North Sumatra, some Dyak races, and certain tribes of the Philippines and Gilolo. They are a gay, pleasure-loving people, formerly addicted to cannibalism, but otherwise of pleasing manners, and are now rapidly acquiring civilisation, though their numbers are everywhere decreasing under the influence of European manners and diseases.
Poncas. See [SIOUAN].
Portuguese. Natives of Portugal, a mixed race, probably of Iberian or Basque origin, with later Celtic elements. After falling successively under Roman, Visigothic, and Saracen dominion, they formed an independent kingdom in the twelfth century. The early Portuguese were enterprising seamen, who contributed largely to the exploration of the world, and founded many colonies in Africa, which they still possess. Brazil is their chief American settlement, now independent.
Provençals. Natives of Provence, in the South of France. Their primitive [Ligurian] (q.v.) stock was modified by many successive influences, such as the Greek colonists, who founded Marseilles, the Roman settlers in the Provincia (Provence), and, later, Gothic and Saracen invaders. The Provençals are a gay, impulsive and pleasure-loving people, markedly distinct from the more staid and industrious inhabitants of Northern France.
Pruczi, or Old Prussians. See [LETTIC].
Prussians. The earliest inhabitants of Prussia were Slavonic tribes [see [LETTIC]]. The modern Prussians, the dominant race of the German Empire, belong to the High German branch of the Teutonic stock.
WOMEN OF THE NUPÉ TRIBE IN NIGERIA
The Nupé tribe is a family belonging to the Nigerian group of Sudanese Negroes. They inhabit chiefly the town of Lokoja, in West Africa. [See under [Nigerian group]].