Maori Warrior.

Number 16 in a set of 25 cigarette cards entitled 'Picturesque People of the Empire' issued by Ogden's branch of the Imperial Tobacco Co. Ltd. There is a picture on one side with an inscription reading 'Maori Warrior', and a description on the other side. The text on the reverse reads: 'The N. Zealand Maoris (a Polynesian word meaning native) were not the aboriginal inhabitants of those islands, but probably came in the first place from Samoa. They are a tall, well built race long celebrated for their elaborate tattooing and their intricate wood-carving. In the old days tribal wars were incessant. Every Maori was a soldier, and fighting formed the chief occupation and joy of his life. Their weapons were spears of wood and tomahawks and clubs of stone. To-day the Maoris, who number about 55,000, are peaceable and law-abiding, and cordially liked by their white fellow-countrymen.'

Collection Information

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