CHAPTER LXVIII. How Teeth Were Regarded In Valapee

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# CHAPTER LXVIII. How Teeth Were Regarded In Valapee ## Overview This chapter, titled "How Teeth Were Regarded In Valapee," is part of the novel [Mardi: And a Voyage Thither](arke:01KG8AJA6157W2830190N652KA). It was extracted from the file [mardi_vol1.txt](arke:01KG89J1HYC04JWXEK48P07WPK) and is part of the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. This chapter follows [CHAPTER LXVII. Little King Peepi](arke:01KG8AJTRH5KA8V2MQG2VVM5FM) and precedes [CHAPTER LXIX. The Company Discourse, And Braid-Beard Rehearses A Legend](arke:01KG8AJVHTAE1QV7CGDG9DQPA8). ## Context The chapter is situated within the narrative of a voyage, specifically focusing on the customs and beliefs of the inhabitants of Valapee. It delves into the cultural significance of human teeth, exploring their use as ornaments, currency, and even as a basis for oaths. The narrative highlights the unique practices of Valapee in contrast to other cultures, such as the Hawaiian Islands and India, regarding mourning rituals and the value placed on dental remains. ## Contents This chapter details the peculiar customs surrounding teeth in Valapee. It begins with a brief observation of King Peepi's desire for the teeth of an attendant, Hohora. The narrative then expands to discuss the broader cultural significance of teeth in Mardi, where they are used for necklaces, earrings, dice, and as tokens of affection. The chapter contrasts Valapeean practices with those of other cultures, noting that while some cultures extracted teeth in grief or offered them to the deceased, Valapee's inhabitants extracted teeth from the departed to be distributed as mementos. Furthermore, teeth served as a form of currency in Valapee, akin to wampum or cowries, leading to the potential for beggars to be left toothless. The chapter concludes by mentioning that an oath sworn by one's tooth is considered the most solemn in Valapee.

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2026-01-30T20:49:12.531Z

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CHAPTER LXVIII. How Teeth Were Regarded In Valapee

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2026-01-30T20:47:39.468Z

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CHAPTER LXVIII. How Teeth Were Regarded In Valapee