TRIBAL BURIAL RITES

Evening Star, Issue 23175, 26 January 1939, Page 5

TRIBAL BURIAL RITES

MAORI SKELETON AND MOA EGG UNEARTHED LATTER PIERCED AS FOR WATER GOURD [Per United Press Association.} BLENHEIM, January 25. Chance digging among the remains of ancient Maori middens near the Wairau bar recently unearthed almost perfect specimen of a moa s egg measuring about 9 inches in length and 6 inches in diameter. The find would make a valuable addition to the collection of any museum, and in this connection it is understood that those who have possession of the egg intend communicating with the Dominion Museum. Wellington. In addition to the egg, there was also found the skeleton of a Maori. Around the neck was a curious hone necklace, comprising a pendant of a killer whale’s tooth and several hone articles, which closely resemble ordinary cotton reels. The moa egg was placed near the feet of the skeleton, and in the base of the egg was a small hole, which gives rise to the theory that originally the shell was used as a water receptacle, and was placed in the grave as part of the tribal burial rites for the use of the spirit in after life.