. The history of mankind . of whoevercan catch them in a race ;and at the same time alltaboos of articles of foodare taken off. So far as it turns uponthe distribution of labour,the position of the women, especially in the Polynesian region, is higher than among many other labour itself is more highly valued its distribution between the sexes isfairer. In Tonga almost all work, even that of cooking, fell to the men ; thewomen only preparing tapa by way of entertainment among a circle of neigh-bours, accompanied by the men beating time. In Hawaii it was the work together i
. The history of mankind . of whoevercan catch them in a race ;and at the same time alltaboos of articles of foodare taken off. So far as it turns uponthe distribution of labour,the position of the women, especially in the Polynesian region, is higher than among many other labour itself is more highly valued its distribution between the sexes isfairer. In Tonga almost all work, even that of cooking, fell to the men ; thewomen only preparing tapa by way of entertainment among a circle of neigh-bours, accompanied by the men beating time. In Hawaii it was the work together in the fields, but fishing is the mens affair; thoughwomen take part in diving for shells. Among the more needy tribes more is laidupon the woman, and with nomads she is the beast of burden. In NewZealand the women held formerly a higher position. They were not excludedfrom the discussion of public affairs, not even from councils of war ; they evenwent with the men to battle. Husband and wife ate together, and the mother T. Women of Ponape in the Carolines. (From the Godeffroy Album 274 THE HISTORY OF MANKIND got as much obedience from her children as the father. Only in certain tribesdestitution produced exceptions. Nothing in all this is altered where mother-right is valid ; for though the children follow the mother, the father is still thehead of the family, and his wedded wife does not belong to his side of the house/but remains at the door. As in affairs of daily life, so even in higher matterstwo views of the womans position are in dispute ; and here too we find that thehigher view is taken in some Polynesian groups. But even in the MelanesianIslands we meet with both not far apart. In the northern New Hebrides womenseem freer than in the southern, and in some parts of New Guinea her positionin the family is described as one of high esteem. But in Polynesia the notionthat contact with her is defiling, excludes her from closer association with menat meals, at public worship
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectethnology, bookyear18
