Title: The Maori As He Was : A Brief Account of Life as it Was in Pre-European Days

Author: Elsdon Best

Publication details: Dominion Museum, 1934, Wellington

Part of:

• The Published Works of Elsdon Best
• New Zealand Texts Collection

This text is the subject of: Introduction to The Maori As He Was

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Chapter I

Physical and Mental Characteristics of the Maori

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Physical attributes. Anthropometry. Craniology. Melanesian element in New Zealand. Different types. Urukehu, or fair type. Dr. Scott on Maori osteology. Bodily powers of Maori. Effect of fatalism. Lack of discipline. Features. General health. Senses. Mentality. Remarkable powers of memory. Character. Language. Maori alphabet. Pronunciation. Importance of vowel quantities. Vocabulary. Leading features of the Maori tongue.