The Late King of Tonga:
Taufa’ahau Tupou IV
This BBC story is clear evidence of progress:
Having touched the late king’s body during the funeral preparations, the royal undertakers are strictly forbidden from using their hands for any other purpose until the period of mourning is over.
The current generation of nima tapu are more fortunate than their predecessors.
Until 300 years ago they would have been strangled or had their hands cut off following the king’s funeral.