The origin and development of the moral ideasWestermarck, Edward
Philosophy
The origin and development of the moral ideas
Westermarck, Edward
Ethics; Ethics -- History; Prehistoric peoples
{171} In other instances the community as a whole expresses its
indignation by inflicting suffering of a more material kind upon the
culprit.
In certain Australian tribes, when a native for any transgression
incurs the displeasure of his tribe, custom compels him to "stand
punishment," as it is called; that is, he stands with a shield at a
fair distance, while the whole tribe, either simultaneously or in
rapid succession, cast their spears at him. Their expertness generally
enables those who are exposed to this trial to escape without serious
injury, though instances of a fatal result occasionally occur;
however, there is a certain propriety even in this extraordinary
punishment, as the accuracy and force with which the weapons are
thrown will depend very much on the opinion entertained of the
enormity of the offence.[47] Among the North-West-Central Queensland
aborigines, though each individual, within certain limits, can do what
he pleases, "he has to reckon not only with the particular person
injured, or his relatives, but also, in some cases, with the whole
camp collectively. Thus the camp as a body, as a camp council, will
take upon itself to mete out punishment in crimes of murder, incest,
or the promiscuous use of fighting-implements within the precincts of
the camping-ground: death, and probably the digging of his own grave,
awaits the delinquent in the former case, while 'crippling,' generally
with knives, constitutes the penalty for a violation of the latter."
Again, if a woman makes herself obnoxious in the camp, especially to
the female portion of it, she is liable to be set upon and "hammered"
by her fellow-sisters collectively, the men on such occasions not
interfering.[48] Among the Bangerang tribe of Victoria, "any one who
had suffered a wrong complained of it, if at all, at night aloud to
the camp, which was silent and attentive. Then the accused was heard.
Afterwards those who chose, men or women, expressed their views on the
subject; and if general opinion pronounced the grievance a good one,
the accused accepted the penalty sanctioned by custom."[49] Among
various tribes in Western Victoria, "should a person, through bad
conduct, become a constant anxiety and trouble {172} to the tribe, a
consultation is held, and he is put to death."[50] Among the Mpongwe,
if a man murders another, he is put to death, not by the nearest of
kin, but by the whole community, being either drowned or burned
alive.[51] Among the Hudson Bay Eskimo, "when a person becomes so bad
in character that the community will no longer tolerate his presence
he is forbidden to enter the huts, partake of food, or hold any
intercourse with the rest. Nevertheless, as long as he threatens no
one's life, but little attention is paid to him. Should he be guilty
of a murder, several men watch their opportunity to surprise him and
put him to death, usually by stoning. The executioners make no
concealment of their action and are supported by public opinion in the
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