Cannibalism was an ancient social, economic, religious, military custom. [1] There was considerable commerce in women and children who had been fattened for slaughter. [2]
Human sacrifice sounded the death knell of cannibalism. Human flesh having become the food of superior men, the chiefs, it was eventually reserved for the still more superior spirits. [3] Cannibalism was once well-nigh universal among the evolving races. [4] Eating human flesh became part of a solemn ceremony of revenge. [5]
The taste for human flesh grows. Having been started through hunger, friendship, revenge, or religious ritual, the eating of human flesh goes on to habitual cannibalism. [6] Not long since, one cannibalistic tribe ate every fifth child born. [7] Cannibalism has been gradually disappearing because of the following influences: [8]
See also: UB 89:5.