What covenant of non-violence was established by Nunuku-whenua among the Moriori of the Chatham Islands (Rekohu)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Nunuku's Law, an absolute prohibition on warfare, killing, and cannibalism where disputes ended at first blood
- Step 1: Centuries ago, the Moriori chief Nunuku-whenua established an inviolable law of peace. Step 2. When fighting with ceremonial staffs (tupurau), combat ceased immediately when skin was broken or first blood drawn. Answer: Nunuku's Law, an absolute prohibition on warfare, killing, and cannibalism where disputes ended at first blood. Why not the others: Tragically, this strict adherence to non-violence left Moriori defenseless when mainland Ngati Mutunga and Ngati Tama invaded in 1835.
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