Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 1 | Page 9

here attempt,
however imperfectly, to sketch out a fairly-complete analysis of its
constitution and to trace its development.
In entering upon this investigation a few facts with regard to the
various manifestations of modesty may be helpful to us. I have selected
these from scattered original sources, and have sought to bring out the

variety and complexity of the problems with which we are here
concerned.
The New Georgians of the Solomon Islands, so low a race that they are
ignorant both of pottery and weaving, and wear only a loin cloth, "have
the same ideas of what is decent with regard to certain acts and
exposures that we ourselves have;" so that it is difficult to observe
whether they practice circumcision. (Somerville, Journal of the
Anthropological Institute, 1897, p. 394.)
In the New Hebrides "the closest secrecy is adopted with regard to the
penis, not at all from a sense of decency, but to avoid Narak, the sight
even of that of another man being considered most dangerous. The
natives of this savage island, accordingly, wrap the penis around with
many yards of calico, and other like materials, winding and folding
them until a preposterous bundle 18 inches, or 2 feet long, and 2 inches
or more in diameter is formed, which is then supported upward by
means of a belt, in the extremity decorated with flowering grasses, etc.
The testicles are left naked." There is no other body covering.
(Somerville, Journal of the Anthropological Institute, 1894, p. 368.)
In the Pelew Islands, says Kubary, as quoted by Bastian, it is said that
when the God Irakaderugel and his wife were creating man and woman
(he forming man and she forming woman), and were at work on the
sexual organs, the god wished to see his consort's handiwork. She,
however, was cross, and persisted in concealing what she had made.
Ever since then women wear an apron of pandanus-leaves and men go
naked. (A. Bastian, Inselgruppen in Oceanien, p. 112.)
In the Pelew Islands, Semper tells us that when approaching a large
water-hole he was surprised to hear an affrighted, long-drawn cry from
his native friends. "A girl's voice answered out of the bushes, and my
people held us back, for there were women bathing there who would
not allow us to pass. When I remarked that they were only women, of
whom they need not be afraid, they replied that it was not so, that
women had an unbounded right to punish men who passed them when
bathing without their permission, and could inflict fines or even death.
On this account, the women's bathing place is a safe and favorite spot

for a secret rendezvous. Fortunately a lady's toilet lasts but a short time
in this island." (Carl Semper, Die Palau-Inseln, 1873, p. 68.)
Among the Western Tribes of Torres Strait, Haddon states, "the men
were formerly nude, and the women wore only a leaf petticoat, but I
gather that they were a decent people; now both sexes are prudish. A
man would never go nude before me. The women would never
voluntarily expose their breasts to white men's gaze; this applies to
quite young girls, less so to old women. Amongst themselves they are,
of course, much less particular, but I believe they are becoming more
so.... Formerly, I imagine, there was no restraint in speech; now there is
a great deal of prudery; for instance, the men were always much
ashamed when I asked for the name of the sexual parts of a woman."
(A.C. Haddon, "Ethnography of the Western Tribes of Torres Straits,"
Journal of the Anthropological Institute, 1890, p. 336.) After a
subsequent expedition to the same region, the author reiterates his
observations as to the "ridiculously prudish manner" of the men,
attributable to missionary influence during the past thirty years, and
notes that even the children are affected by it. "At Mabuiag, some small
children were paddling in the water, and a boy of about ten years of age
reprimanded a little girl of five or six years because she held up her
dress too high." (Reports of the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition
to Torres Straits, vol. v, p. 272.)
"Although the women of New Guinea," Vahness says, "are very
slightly clothed, they are by no means lacking in a well-developed
sense of decorum. If they notice, for instance, that any one is paying
special attention to their nakedness, they become ashamed and turn
round." When a woman had to climb the fence to enter the wild-pig
enclosure, she would never do it in Vahness's presence. (Zeitschrift für
Ethnologie, Verhdlgen., 1900, Heft 5, p. 415.)
In Australia "the feeling of decency is decidedly less prevalent among
males than females;" the clothed females retire out of sight to bathe.
(Curr, Australian Race.)
"Except for waist-bands, forehead-bands, necklets,