The old charge of cannibalism may be generally said to be quite untrue.
One tribe, living in the Maluti mountains, was reduced to cannibalism.
Some writers have connected Polynesian cannibalism with religion.
Cannibalism, which earned them in earlier years a terrible name, was generally restricted to the bloodthirsty banquets which always followed a victory.
The Maoris ate their enemies' hearts to gain their courage, but to whatever degree animistic beliefs may have once contributed to their cannibalism, it is certain that long before Captain Cook's visit religious sanction for the custom had long given place to mere gluttonous enjoyment.