as a virtue is absolutely unknown amongst all the tribes of which there are records,” as one of the best informed authorities, J.D.  Wood, tells us (403).  Detailed evidence that the same is true of the aborigines of all the continents will be given in later chapters.  The natives usually share their females both before and after marriage; monopoly of body and soul—­of which true jealousy is the guardian—­is a conception beyond their moral horizon.  A few more illustrations may be added.

Burton (T.T.G.L., II., 27) cites a writer who says that the natives of Sao Paulo had a habit of changing wives for a time, “alleging, in case of reproof, that they are not able to eat always of the same dish.”  Holub testifies (II., 83) that in South Africa jealousy “rarely shows itself very prominently;” and he uses the word in the widest sense.  The fierce Masai lend their wives to guests.  The Mpongwe of the Gaboon River send out their wives—­with a club if necessary—­to earn the wages of shame (Campiegne, 192).  In Madagascar Ellis (137) found sensuality gross and universal, though concealed.  Unchastity in either sex was not regarded as a vice, and on the birth of the king’s daughter “the whole capital was given up to promiscuous debauchery.”  According to Mrs. French Sheldon (Anth.  Inst., XXL, 360), all along the east coast of Africa no shame attaches to unchastity before marriage.  It is needless to add that in all such cases punishment of a wife cannot be prompted by real jealousy for her “chastity.”  It is always a question of proprietorship.  Cameron relates (Across Africa, II., Chap.  IV.) that in Urua the chief boasted that he exercised a right to any woman who might please his fancy, when on his journeys about the country.

“Morals are very lax throughout the country, and wives are not thought badly of for being unfaithful; the worst they may expect being severe chastisement from the injured husband.  But he never uses excessive violence for fear of injuring a valuable piece of household furniture.”

When Du Chaillu travelled through Ashango Land King Quenqueza rose to receive him.

“With the figurative politeness of a negro chief, he assured me that his town, his forests, his slaves, his wives, were mine (he was quite sincere with regard to the last”) (19).

Asia affords many instances of the absence of jealousy.  Marco Polo already noted that in Thibet, when travellers arrived at a place, it was customary to distribute them in the houses, making them temporary masters of all they contained, including the women, while their husbands meanwhile lodged elsewhere.  In Kamtschatka it was considered a great insult if a guest refused a woman thus offered him.  Most astounding of all is what G.E.  Robertson relates of the Kaffirs of Hindu-Kush (553):