RECORD: Ellis, William. 1829. Polynesian researches, during a residence of nearly six years in the South Sea Islands, including descriptions of the natural history and scenery of the Islands, with remarks on the history, mythology, traditions, government, arts, manners, and customs of the inhabitants. London: Fisher, Son, and Jackson. Volume 2
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POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES,
A RESIDENCE OF NEARLY SIX YEARS
IN THE
SOUTH SEA ISLANDS;
INCLUDING
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE NATURAL HISTORY AND SCENERY OF THE
ISLANDS-WITH REMARKS ON THE HISTORY, MYTHOLOGY,
TRADITIONS, GOVERNMENT, ARTS, MANNERS,
AND CUSTOMS OF THE
INHABITANTS,
BY
WILLIAM ELLIS,
MISSIONARY TO THE SOCIETY AND SANDWICH ISLANDS, AND AUTHOR OF THE " TOUR OF HAWAII."
" In w rut a field, thin will bi room to aoqnJn firah knowledge for contain to eom, eonti to amroy, ooontrki to czplon, inhabitant! to deacriba, and parhapa to rcndir ion hnper.n COOKE.
IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL, II.
LONDON:
FISHER, SON, & JACKSON, NEWGATE STREET,
M,DCCC,XXIX.
SmKJ
CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
CHAP. I.
Voyage to Raiatea—Appearance of the coral reefs—Breaking of the surf— —Islets near the passage to the harbours—Landing at Tipaemau— Description of the islands—Arrival at Vaoaara— Singular reception—-Native salutations'—Improvement of the settlement—Traditionary connexion of Raiatea with the origin of the people—General account of the South Sea Islanders—Physical character, stature, colour, expression, kc. Mental capacity, and habits—Aptness to receive instruction—Moral character—Hospitality—Extensive and affecting moral degradation—Its enervating influence—Longevity—Comparative numbers of the inhabitants—Indications and causes of depopulation—Beneficial tendency of
Christianity..............Page 1 to 86.
CHAP. II.
Origin of the inhabitants of the South Sea Islands—Traditions—Legend of laaoroa and Hina—Resemblance to Jewish history—Coincidences in language, mythology, &c. with the language, &c. of the Hindoos and Malays, Madagasse, and South Americans—Difficulty of reaching the islands from the west—Account of different native voyages—Geographical extent over which the Polynesian race and language prevail— Account of the introduction of animals—Predictions of their ancient prophets relating to the arrival of ships—Traditions of the deluge, corresponding with the accounts in sacred and profane writings . Page 37 to 63.
CHAP. HI.
General state of society—Former modes of living—Proposed improvement in the native dwellings—Method of procuring lime worn the coral-rock —First plastered houses in the South Sea Islands—Progress of improvement—Appearance of the settlement—Described by Captain Gambier— Sensations produced by the scenery, &c.—Irregularity of the buildings-Public road—Effect on the surrounding country—Duration of native habitations—Building for public worship—Division of public labour— Manner of fitting up the interior—Satisfaction of the people—Chapel in Raiatea—Native chandeliers—Evening services . . Page 64 to 89.
CHAP. IV.
Schools erected in Huahine—Historical facts connected with the site of the former building—Account of Mai, fOmai)— His visit to England with Captain Furneux—Society to which ne was introduced—Objects of his attention—Granville Sharp—His return with Captain Cook—Settlement in Huahine—His subsequent conduct—Present proprietors of the Beritani in Huahine—House for hidden prayer—Cowper's lines on Omai—Royal Mission Chapel in Tahiti—Its dimensions, furniture, and appearance— Motives of the king in its erection—Description of native chapels—Need of clocks and bells—Means resorted to for supplying their deficiency— Attendance on public worship—Habits of cleanliness—Manner of wearing the hair—Process of shaving—Artificial flowers — Native toilet...............Page 90 to lift.
IF CONTENTS.
CHAP. V. Improved circumstances of the females—Instruction in needlework—Intro-auction of European clothing—Its influence upon the people—Frequent singularity of tneir appearance—Development of parental affection —Increased demand for British manufactures—Native hats and bonnets —Reasons for encouraging a desire for European dress, &c—Sabbath in the South Sea Islands—Occupations of the preceding day—Early morning prayer-meetings—Sabbath schools—Order of divine service-School exercises—Contrast with idolatrous worship . Page 120 to 148.
CHAP. VI.
Public assemblies during the week—Questional and conversational meeting —Topics discussed-r-the seat of the thoughts and affections—Duty of prayer—Scripture biography and history—Ine first parents of mankind —Paradise—Origin of moral evil—Satanic influence—A ruture state-Condition of those who bad die4 idolaters—The Sabbath—Inquiries respecting England—The doctrine of the resurrection—"Visits to Maeva —•Description of the aoa—Legend connected with its origin—Considered sacred—Cloth made with its bark—Manufacture of native cloth—Variety of kinds—Methods of dyeing—Native matting—Different articles of
household furniture..........Ppge 149 to 184.
CHAP. VII.
Station at Maeva—Appearance of the lake and surrounding scenery— Ruins of temples, ana other vestiges of idolatry—General view of Polynesian mythology—Ideas relative to the origin of the world—Polytheism —Traditionary theogony—Taaroa supreme deity—Different orders of gods—Ore, &c gods of the wind!, the ocean, &c— Gods of artificers and fishermen—Oramatuaa, or demons—Emblems—Images—Uru, or feathers—Temples —Worship—Prayers—Offerings—Sacrifices—Occasional and stated festivals and worship—Ran-mata-vehi-raa Maui-fata—Rites for recovery from sickness—Offering of first-fruits—The Pae Atua—Tne ripening of the year, a religious ceremony—Singular rites attending its
dose..............Page }85 to 218.
CHAP. VHI.
Description of Polynesian idols—Human sacrifices—Antnropophagism— Islands in which it prevails—Motives and circumstances under which it is practised—Tradition of its existence in Sis Charles Sanders' Island —Extensive prevalence of Sorcery and Divination—Views of the natives en the subject of satanio influence—Demons—Imprecations—Modes of incantation—Horrid and fatal effects supposed to result from sorcery— Impotency of enchantment on Europeans—Native remedies for sorcery-Native oracles—Means of inspiration—Effects on the priest inspired— Manner of delivering the responses—Circumstances at Rurutu anq Hua-hine—Intercourse between tne priest and the god—Augury by the death of victims—Divination for the detection of theft . Page 219 to 241.
CHAP. IX.
Increased desire for books—Application from die blind—Account of Hiro, an idolatrous priest—Methods of distributing the Scriptures—Dangerous voyages—Motives influencing to desires for the Scriptures—Character of the translation—Cause of delay in baptizing the converts—General view of the ordinance—Baptism of the king—Preparatory instructions— First baptism in Iluahine—Mode of applying the water—Introduction
COHTONTS. ▼
of Christian Timet—Baptism of mfcnte—Impression en the minds of the parents—Interesting stute of the. people—Extensive prevalence of a
ufere epidemic.....,.....Page 242 to 269.
CHAP, X,
Former diseases in the islands comparatively few and mild—Priests the general physicians—Native practice of physic—Its intimate connexion with sorcery—Gods of the healing art—lite tuabu, or broken back— Insanity—Native warn>bath—Oculists—Surgery-nr Setting a broken neok and back-r-The operation of trepan—Native remedies superseded by European medicine—Need of a more abundant supply—Former cruelty towards the sick—Parricide—Present treatment of invalids-Visits to Maeva—Native nsheriea—Prphibition*—Enclosures—Salmon and other nets—Use of the spear—Various kinds of hooks and lines— The vaa tira—Fishing by torch-light—Instance of native honesty-Death of Messrs. Testier and fiicknell—Dying charge to the people-Missionary responsibility........Page 270 to 301.
CHAP. XI.
General view of a Christian church—Uniformity of procedure in the different stations—Instructions from England—Preparatory instructions Distinct nature of a Christian church—Qualifications and duties of communicants—The sacrament of the Lord's Supper—Formation of the first church of Christ in the Leeward Islands—Administration of the ordi-nance—Substitute for bread—Order of the service—Character, experience, and peculiarities of the communicants—Buaiti—Regard to the declarations of scripture—Instances of the power of conscience—Manner of admitting church members Appointment of deacons—Great attention to religion .,..,,,,,.., Page 302 to 339, CHAP. XII.
Government of the South Sea Islands monarchical and arbitrary—Intimately connected with idolatry—Different ranks in society—Slavery— Ifae proprietors of land—The regal femily—Sovereignty hereditary— Abdication of the fewer in favour of the s^n^pistinctjons of royalty-Modes of travelling—Sacredneas of the king's person—Homage of die people—Singular, ceremonies attending the inauguration of the king— language of tta Tahiti*** court—The royal residences—Causes, to.— Sources of revenue—Tenure of land—Division of the country—National
councils—Forfeiture of posaeasioo^.....Page 340 to 364.
. CHAP. XUI. .
Power of the chiefs and proprietors of land—Banishment and confiscation —The king's messenger—The main, an emblem of authority—Ancient usages in reference to crime, &c.—Fatal effects of jealousy—Seizure of property—Punishment of then—Public works—Supplies for the king-Despotic rapacity—Extortion of the king's servants—Unorganised state of civil polity—Desire a code of Christian laws—Advice and conduct of the Missionaries—Preparation of the laws—Public enactment by the king in a national assembly at Tahiti—Capital punishments—Manner of conducting public trials—Fstahlishment of laws in Raiatea— Preparation
of&oseferHuahine.........Page 365 to 390,
CHAP. XIV.
Portfire's proposed restrictions on barter, rejected by the chiefs of the Leeward Islands—Voyage to Eimeo—Departure for Tahiti—Danger during the night—Arrival at Burder's Point—State of the settlement—Papeete-Mount Hope—Interview with the king—Revision of the laws—Approval
VI CONTBNTS,
of the queen—Arrival of the Hope from England—Influence of letters, he —Return to Eimeo—Embarkation for the Leeward Islands—A night at sea—Appearance of the heavens—Astronomy of the natives—Names of the stars—Divisions and computation of time, &c.—Talutian numerals—* Extended calculation—Arrival in Huahine . . Page 391 to 485. •
CHAP. XV.
Promulgation of the new code of laws in Huahine—literal translation of the laws on Murder—Theft—Trespass—Stolen property—Lost property —Barter—Sabbath-breaking—Rebellion—Bigamy, &c.—Divorce, esc.— Marriage—False accusation—Drunkenness—Dogs—Pigs—Consoiracy— —Confessions—Revenue for the king and chiefs—Tatauing—Voyaging —Judges and magistrates—Regulations lor judges, and trial by jury-Messengers or peace-officers—Manner of conducting public trials— Character of the Huahine code—Reasons for dissuading from capital punishments—Omission of oaths—Remarks on me different enactments —Subsequent amendments and enactments relative to the fisheries— Landmarks—Land rendered freehold property—First Tahttian parliament—Regulations relating to seamen deserting their vessels—Publicity of trials—Eflects of the beneficial laws . . . Page 426 to 460.
CHAP. XVI.
Visit from the Windward Islands—Opposition to the moral restraints of Christianity—Tatauiog prohibited by the chiefs—Account of the dye, instruments, and process of tatauing—Variety of figures or patterns— The operation painful, and frequently fatal—Revival of the practice— Trial and penalty of the • offenders—Rebellion against the laws and government—Public assembly—Address of Taua—Departure of the chiefs and people from the encampment of the king's son—Singularity of their dress and appearance—Interview between the rival parties-Return of Hautia and the captives — Frequency of war in the South Sea Islands—Polynesian war-god—Religious ceremonies and human sacrifices, prior to the commencement of hostilities—National councils-Mustering of forces—Emblems of the gods taken to the war—Strength of their fleets or armies—The battle of Hooroto—Women engaging in war—Martial music—Modes of attack—Single combats, challenges, &c. —Hie rauti, or orators of battle—Sacrifice of the first prisoner—Use of the sling.............Page 461 to 491.
CHAP. XVII.
Singular custom of the chiefs in marching to battle—Sanguinary and exterminating character of their engagements—Desolation of the country —Estimation in which fighting men were held—Weapons—Dress—Ornaments—Various kinds of helmet, &c.—Ancient arms, &c. superseded by the introduction of fire-arms—Former ideas respecting the musket, &c.—Divination or augury—Savage and merciless conduct of the victors —Existence of wild men in the mountains—Account of one at Bunaui'a who had fled from the field of battle—Treatment of the captives and the slain—Division of the spoil, and appropriation of the country—Maritime warfare—Encampments—Fortifications—Instance of patriotism—Methods of concluding peace—Religious ceremonies and festivities that followed—Present sentiments of the people in reference to war—IViumph of the principles of peace—Incident at Rurutu . Page 492 to 520.
CONTENTS. vii
chap. xvm.
Arrival of the .deputation at Tahiti—Visit to Huahine—Pomare's death— Notice of his ancestry—Description of his person—His mental character and habits—Perseverance and proficiency in writing—His letters to England, fee.—Fac-simile of his hand-writing, and translation of his letter on the art of drawing—Estimation in which he was held by the people— Pomare, the first convert to Christianity—His commendable endeavours to promote its extension—Declension during the latter part of life—His friendship for the Missionaries uniform—His aid important—Circumstances connected with his death—Accession of his son Pomare IH. to the government—Coronation of the infant king—His removal to the South Sea academy—Encouraging progress in learning*--Early and lamented death—The extensive use of letters among the islanders—Writing on plantain leaves—Value of writing paper, fee.—The South Sea academy, required by the state of native societr—The trials peculiar to Mission families among uncivilized nations—Advantages connected with the visits of Missionaries' children to civilized countries ., >. Page 521 to 551.
CHAP. XIX. Voyage to Borabora—Appearance of the settlement—Description of the island—Geological peculiarities of Borabora, Maurua, &c.—New settlement in Raiatea—Arrival of the Dauntless—Designation of native Missionaries—Voyage to the Sandwich Islands—Marriage of Pomare and Aimata—Former usages observed in marriage contracts— Betrothment— Ancient usages in the celebration of marriage—Resort to the temple— Address of the priest—Proceedings of the relatives—Prevalence of polygamy—Discontinued with the abolition of idolatry—Christian marriage —Advantageous results—Female occupations—Embarkation for England —Visit to Fare—Improvement of the settlement—Visit to Rurutu and Raivavai—Propagation of Christianity by native converts~Final departure from the South Sea Islands .....Page 552 to 576.
Vlll
PLATES IN VOL. II.
Idols worshipped fay the Inhabitants of the South Sea Islands,
(described p. 219)......,..«.,................to face the Title
Eastern part of Fa-re Harbour, in Huahine.................•. •.. 79
Teinb of Pomare* at Pap*oa,m Tahiti ........................535
Settlement of Utimraoro, in fcaiatea .......................... 556
wwn> e**6Rwrkos.
Tftfustt Ctofli Mrftet................................in page 173
Various Tools and tftensite.................................. tSi
National Temple.......................................... 207
Altar, with Offerings ......................................212
Altar and Unus...........................................217
Fishing Canoe............................................ 297
Fac-simile, and Translation, of Pomare's Letter.................. 530
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
CHAP. I.
Voyage to Raiatea—Appearance of the coral reek—Breaking of the iurf—Islets near the passage to the harbours—Landing at Tipaemau -Description of the islands—Arriral at Vadaara—Singular reception— Natire sahitatwas—Improrealeat of the settlement—Traditionary connexion of Baiatea with the origin of the people—General account of the Sooth Sea Islanders—Physical character, stature, colour, expression, &c—Mental capacity, and habits—Aptness to receire instruc-ti<m-~Moraf character—HospitaMty—Extensive and affecting moral degradation--Its mrnftfog iannenoe—Longerity—Comparative numbers of the inhabitants—Indications and Causes of depopulation— Beneficial tendency of Christianity.
DURING the flrat yea^s of our establishment in Huahtae, frequent voyages were necessary; and, early in 181&, circumstances rendered it expedient that we should revisit Raiatea. A* we expected to be absent for several weeks, Mrs. Barif and Mrs. Ellis accompanied ns j Mr. Onmond was returning to his station, and we embarked in Ms boat, although it was scarcely large enough to contain out party and half a dozen native rowers. The morning on which we sailed was fine; the sea gently rippled with the freshening breease,
II. B
2 POLYNESIAN RESJBARCHBS.
which was fair and steady, without being violent. Our voyage was pleasant; and soon after two in the afternoon of the same day, we entered an opening in the reef, a few miles to the northward of that leading to Opoa. This entrance is called by the inhabitants Tipae mau, True, or permanent, landing (place.)
The coral reef, around the eastern shores of Raiatea and Tahaa, often exhibits one of the most sublime and beautiful marine spectacles that it is possible to behold. It is generally a mile, or a mile and a half, and occasionally two miles, from the shore. The surface of the water within the reef is placid and transparent; while that without, if there be the slightest breeze, is considerably agitated; and, being unsheltered from the wind, is generally raised in high and foaming waves.
The trade-wind, blowing constantly towards the shore, drives the waves with violence upon the reef, which is from five, to twenty or thirty yards wide. The long rolling billows of the Pacific, extending sometimes, in one unbroken line, a mile or a mile and a half along the reef, arrested by this natural barrier, often rise ten, twelve, or fourteen feet above its surface; and then, bending over it their white foaming tops, form a graceful liquid arch, glittering in the rays of a tropical sun, as if studded with brilliants. But, before the eyes of the spectator can follow the splendid aqueous gallery which they appear to have reared, with loud and hollow roar they fall in magnificent desolation, and spread the gigantic fabric in froth and spray upon the horizontal and gently broken surface of the coral.
In each of the islands, and opposite the large valleys, through which a stream of water falls into the ocean, there is usually a break, or opening, in the line of reef
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
S
that surrounds the shore—a most wise and benevolent provision for the ingress and egress of vessels, as well as a singular phenomenon in the natural history of these marine ramparts to the islands. Whether the current of fresh water, constantly flowing from the rivers to the ocean, prevents the tiny architects from building their concentric walls in one continued .line, or whether in the fresh water itself there is any quality inimical to the growth or increase of coral, is not easy to determine ; but it is a remarkable fact, that few openings occur in the reefs which surround the South Sea Islands, excepting opposite those parts of the shore from which streams of fresh water flow into the sea. Reefs of varied, but generally circumscribed extent, are frequently observed within the large outer barrier, and near the shore, or mouth of the river; but they are formed in shallow places, and the coral is of a different and more slender kind, than that of which the larger reef, rising from the depths of the ocean, is usually composed. There is no coral in the lagoons of the large islands.
The openings in the reefs around Sir Charles Sander's Island, Maurua, and other low islands, are small and intricate, and sometimes altogether wanting, probably because the land, composing these islands, collects but a scanty portion of water; and, if any, only small and frequently interrupted streams flow into the sea. The openings in the reefs around the larger islands, not only afford direct access to the indentations in the coast, and the mouths of the valleys, which form the best harbours,—-but secure to shipping a supply of fresh water, in equal, if not greater abundance, than it could be procured in any other part of the bland. The circumstance, also, of the rivers near the harbours flowing
4
POLYNESIAN RESBAECHBS.
into the sea, affords the greatest facility in procuring fresh water, which is so valuable to seamen.
The openings in the reef, on the eastern side of Raiatea, are not only serviceable to navigation, but highly ornamental, adding greatly to the beauty of the surrounding scenery. At the wa Moo, or Sacred Entrance leading to Opoa, there is a small island, on which a few cocoa-nut trees are growing. AtTipaemau there are two, one on each side of the opening, rising from the extremity of the line of reef. The little islets, elevated three or four feet above the water, are clothed with shrubs and verdure, and adorned with a number of lofty cocoa-nut trees. At Te-wapiti, several miles to the northward of Tipaemau, and opposite the Missionary settlement—where, as its name indicates, are two openings—there are also two beautiful, green, and woody islands, on which the lowly hut of the fisherman, or of the voyager waiting for a favourable wind, may be often seen. Two large and very charming islands adorn the entrance at Tomahahotu, leading to the island of Tahaa. The largest of these is not more than half a mile in circumference, but both are covered with fresh and evergreen shrubs and trees.
Detached from the large islands, and viewed in con* nexion with the ocean rolling through the channel on the one side, or the foaming billows dashing, and roaring, and breaking over the reef on the other, they appear like emerald gems of the ocean, contrasting their solitude and verdant beauty with the agitated element sporting in grandeur around. They are useful, as well as ornamental. The tall cocoa-nuts that grow on their surface, can be seen many miles distant; and the native mariner ia thereby enabled to steer directly towards
POLYNESIAN USXARCHJE8.
5
the ipot where he knows he shall find a passage to the shore. The constant current passing the opening, probably deposited on the ends of the reef fragments of coral, sea weeds, and drift-wood, which in time rose above the surface of the water. Seeds borne thither by the waves, or wafted by the winds, found a soil on which they could germinate decaying vegetation increased the mould—and by this process it is most likely these beautiful little fairy-looking islands were formed on the ends of the reefs at the entrance to the different harbours.
We landed on one at Tipaemau, partook of some refreshment under the shade the. shrubbery afforded, while our boat's crew climbed the trees, and afterwards made an agreeable repast on the nuts which they gathered. We planted, as memorials of our visit, the seeds of some large ripe oranges, which we had brought with us; then launched our boat, and prosecuted our voyage within the reef, towards the other side of the island, where the Missionary settlement was then established. This part of our voyage, for twelve or fourteen miles, was most delightful. The beauty of the wooded or rocky shores now appeared more rich and varied than before; the stillness of the smooth waters around was only occasionally disturbed by the passage of a light, nautilus-like canoe, with its little sail of white native cloth, or the rapid flight of a shoal of flying-fish, which, when the dashing of our oars or the progress of our boat intercepted their course or awakened their alarm, sprang from their native element, and darted along, three or four feet above the water.
6
POLYNESIAN RSSJRARCHBS.
Ioretea, the Ulitea of Captain Cook, or, as it is now more frequently called by the natives, Raiatea? is the largest of the Society Islands. Its form is somewhat triangular, and its circumference about fifty miles. The mountains are more stupendous and lofty than those of Huahine, and in some parts equally broken and picturesque. The northern and western sides are singularly romantic j several pyramidal and conical mountains rising above the elevated and broken range, that stretches along in a direction nearly parallel with the coast, and from one to three miles distant from the beach. Though the shore is generally a gradual and waving ascent from the water's edge to the mountain, it is frequently rocky and broken* At Mahapoto, about half way between Opoa, the site of their principal temple, the ancient residence of the reigning family, and Utumaoro at the northeast angle of the island, there is a deep indentation in the coast. The rocks rise nearly perpendicular in some places on both sides, and the smooth surface of the ocean extends a mile and a half, or two miles, towards the mountains. The shores of this sequestered bay are covered with sand, shells, and broken coral. At the openings of several of the little glenB which surround it, the cottages of the natives are seen peeping through the luxuriant foliage of the pandanus, or the purau; while the cultivated plantations in various parts extend from the margin of the sea to the foot of the mountains. The rivers that roll along their rocky courses from the head of the ravines to the ocean below—and the distant mountains, that rise in the interior—combine to form, though on a limited scale, the most rich, romantic, and
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
7
beautiful landscapes. The islands in general are well supplied with water. The mountains are sufficiently elevated to intercept the clouds that are wafted by the trade-winds over the surface of the Pacific; being clothed with verdure to their very summits, while they attract the moisture, they also prevent its evaporation. Most of the rivers or streams rise in the mountainous parts, and though, from the peculiar structure of these parts, and the circumscribed extent of the islands, the distance from their source to their union with the sea is comparatively short; yet the body of water is often considerable, and the uneven ground through which they have cut their 'way, the rocky projections that frequently divide the streams, and the fells that occur between the interior and the shore, cause the rivers to impart a charming freshness, vivacity, and splendour to the surrounding scenery.
Next to Tahiti, Raiatea perhaps is better supplied with rivers, or streams of excellent water, than any other island of the group. Its lowland is extensive, and the valleys, capable of the highest' cultivation, are not only spacious, but . conveniently situated for affording to the inhabitants intercourse with other parts of the island. On the north-west is a small but very secure harbour, called Hamani-ino. Most of the ships formerly visiting Raiatea anchored in this by no means capacious, but convenient and sequestered, harbour. Such vessels usually entered the reefs that surround the two islands, either at the opening called Teavapiti, a little to the southward of Utumaora, or at that denominated Tomahahotu opposite the south end of the island x&
8
POLYNESIAN RESBARCHBS.
Tahaa* They then proceeded within the reefs along the channel between the islands, to the harbour.
Water and wood were at all timet procured with facility from the adjacent shore; and supplies of stock, poultry, and vegetables might generally be obtained by barter with the inhabitants. The mountains of the interior sheltered the bay from the strong eastern and southerly winds; and the wide opening in the ree£ opposite the mouth of the valley forming the head of the bay, favoured the departure of vessels with the ordinary winds. A small and partially wooded island on the north side of the opening in the reefs opposite the harbour, distinctly points out the passage, and is very serviceable to ships going to sea. A few miles beyond the harbour of Hamamino, Va6aara is situated, which was the former Missionary station, the residence of the chiefs, and principal part of the population. There are two open bays on the east side of the island, Opoa and Utumaoro. They were occasionally visited by shipping; and the latter has, since the removal of the Missionary station, become the general place of anchorage. But although they are secured from heavy waves by the reefs of coral that stretch along the eastern shore, they are exposed to the prevailing winds, excepting so far as they are sheltered by the islands at the entrance from the sea.
lucre are no lakes in Raiatea or Tahaa, but both islands are encircled in one reef which is. in some parts attached to their shores, and in othets rises to the water's edge, at the distance of two or three miles from it. The water within the reefs, is as smooth as the surmce of a lake in a gentleman's
POLYNESIAN RBSBAACHBS.
9
pleasure-ground, though often from eighteen to thirty fathoms deep. The coral reefs form natural and beautiful breakwaters, preserving the lowland and the yielding soil of the adjacent shore tram the force and encroachment of the heavy billows of the ocean. Numbers of singular and verdant little islands are remarkably useful, as they are most frequently found at those points where the openings into the harbours are formed. They are, therefore, excellent sea-marks, and furnish convenient temporary residences for the fishermen, who resort to them during the season for taking the operu, scomber scomber of Linneus, and other fish, periodically visiting their shores. Here they dry and repair their nets while watching the approach of the shoals, and find them remarkably advantageous in prosecuting the most important of their fisheries.
The sun had nearly set when we reached the settlement. As we approached the shore, crowds of the natives, who had recognized some of our party, came off to meet us, wading into the sea above their waist, in order to welcome our arrival. While gazing on the motley group that surrounded our boat, or thronged the adjacent shore, and exchanging our salutations with those nearest us, before we were aware of their design, upwards of twenty stout men actually lifted our boat out of the water, and raised it on their shoulders, carrying us, thus elevated in the air, amid the shouts of the bearers, and the acclamations of the multitude on the shore, first to the beach, and then to the large court-yard in front of the king's house, where, after experiencing no small apprehension from this unusual mode
If. C
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POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
of conveyance, we were set down safe and dry upon the pavement. Here we experienced a very hearty welcome from the chiefs and people. Their salutations were cordial, though unaccompanied by the ceremonies that were formerly regarded as indispensable. Considering the islanders as an uncivilized people, they seem to have been the most ceremonious of any with whom we are acquainted. This peculiarity appears to have accompanied them to the temples, to have distinguished the homage and the service they rendered to their gods, to have marked their affairs of state, and the carriage of the people towards their rulers, to have pervaded the whole of their social intercourse, to have been mingled with their most ordinary avocations, and even their rude and diversified amusements. Their salutations were often exceedingly ceremonious. When a chieftain from another island, or from any distant part, arrived, he seldom proceeded at once to the shore, but usually landed, in the first instance, on some of the small islands near* The king often attended in person, to welcome his guest, or, if unable to do this himself, sent one of his principal chiefs.
When the canoes of the visitor approached the shore, the chiefs assembled on the beach. Long orations were pronounced by both parties before the guests stepped on the soil: as soon as they were landed, a kind of circle was formed by the people; the king or chiefs on the one side, and the strangers on the other; the latter brought their marotai, or offering, to the king and the gods, and accompanied its presentation with an address, expressive of the
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. U
friendship existing between them: the priest, or orators of the king, then brought the presents, or manu-faiti, bird of recognition. Two young plantain-trees were first presented, one for te atua> the god; the other for te hoa, the friend, A plantain-tree and a pig were brought for the king, a similar offering for the god; this was followed by a plantain and » pig, for the toe moe, the sleeping hatchet. A plantain-tree and a bough were then brought for the taura, the cord or bond of union, and then a plantain and a pig for the friend.
In some of their ceremonies, a plantain-tree was substituted for a man, and in the first plantain-trees offered in this ceremony to the god and the friend, they might perhaps be so regarded. Considerable ceremony attended the reception of a company of Areois. When they approached a village or district, the inhabitants came out of their doors, and, greeting them, shouted Manava, Manava, long before they reached the place. They usually answered, Teie ?'Here," and so proceeded to the rendezvous appointed, where the marotai was presented to the king, and a similar offering to the god.
Our mode of saluting by merely shaking hands, they consider remarkably cold and formal. They usually fell upon each others necks, and tauahi, or embraced each other, and saluted by touching or rubbing noses. This appears to be the common mode of welcoming a friend, practised by all the inhabitants of the Pacific. It also prevails among the natives of Madagascar. During my visit to New Zealand, I was several times greeted in this manner by chiefs, whose tataued countenances, and ferocious appearance, were but little
12
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
adapted to cherish any predisposition to so close a contact. This method of saluting is called hy the New Zealanders Ho-gni, Honi by the Sandwich Islanders, and Hoi by the Tahitiana. In connexion with this, the custom of cutting themselves with sharks' teeth, and indulging in loud wailing, was a very singular method of receiving a friend, or testifying gladness at his arrival i it was, however, very general when the Europeans first arrived.
In the courtyard of the king we were met by our friends Messrs. Williams and Threlkeld, who, considering the short time they had been among the people, had been the means of producing an astonishing change, not only in their habits and appearance, but even in the natural face of the district. A carpenter's shop had been erected, the forge was daily worked by the natives, neat cottages were rising in several directions, and a large place of worship was building. The wilderness around was cleared to a considerable extent) the inhabitants of other parts were repairing to Vapaara, and erecting their habitations, that they might enjoy the advantage of instruction« A flourishing school was in daily operation, and a large and attentive congregation met for public worship in the native chapel every Sabbath-day. In the society of our friends we spent a fortnight very pleasantly, and having adjusted our public arrangements, returned to guanine, in the Haweis, in which Messrs. Barff, Williams, and myself, proceeded to Tahiti.
The island of Raiatea is not only the most important in the leeward group, from its central situa-
POLYNBSIAN RESEARCHES. IS
tion and its geographical extent, but on account of its identity, in tradition, with the origin of the people, and their preservation in the general deluge. It has been celebrated as the cradle of their mythology, the seat of their oracle, and the abode of those priests whose predictions for many generations regulated the expectations of the nation. It is alto intimately connected with the most important matters in the traditionary history and ancient religion of the people.
The inhabitants of the Georgian, Society, and adjacent isles, comprehended, according to the ideas they entertained prior to the arrival of foreign res* eels, the whole of the human race. In the island of Raiatea, their traditions informed them, their species originated, and hither after death they repaired. In connexion with my first voyages to the spot, which many have been accustomed to consider as the birth-place of mankind, and the region to which their disembodied spirits were supposed to resort, it may be proper to introduce the facts and observations, in reference to their origin, physical, intellectual, and moral character, which have resulted from subsequent visits to the island, and more exten* sjve acquaintance with the people.
The inhabitants of the South Sea Islands are generally above the middle stature; but their limbs are less muscular and firm than those of the Sandwich Islanders, whom in many respects they resemble. They are, at the same time, more robust than the Marquesans, who are the most light and agile of the inhabitants of Eastern Polynesia. In sise and physical power they are inferior to the New Zea-
14
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
landers, and probably resemble in person the Friendly Islanders, as much as any others in the Pacific; exhibiting, however, neither, the gravity of the latter, nor the vivacity of the Marquesans. Their limbs are well formed, and although where corpulency prevails there is a degree of sluggishness in their actions, they are generally active in their movements, graceful and stately in their gait, and perfectly unembarrassed in their address. Those who reside in the interior, or frequently visit the mountainous parts of the islands, form an exception to this remark. The constant use of the naked feet in climbing the steep sides of the rocks, or the narrow denies of the ravines, probably induces them to turn their toes inwards, which renders their gait exceedingly awkward.
Among the many models of perfection in the human figure that appear in the islands, (presenting to the eye of the stranger all that is beautiful in symmetry and graceful in action,) instances of deformity are now frequently seen, arising from a loathsome disease, of foreign origin, affecting the features of the face, and muscular parts of the body. There is another disease, which forms such a curvature of the upper part of the spine, as to produce what is termed a humped or broken back. The disease which produces this distortion of shape, and deformity of appearance, is declared by the natives, to have been unknown to their ancestors; and, according to the accounts some of them give it, was the result of a disease, left by the crew of Vancouver's ship. It does not prevail in any of the other islands; and although such numbers are now affected with it,
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHB9. 15
there is reason to believe, that, except the many disfigurements produced by the elephantiasis, which appears to have prevailed from their earliest antiquity, a deformed person was seldom seen.
The countenance of the South Sea Islander is open and prepossessing, though the features are bold, and sometimes prominent. Hie facial angle is frequently as perpendicular as in the European structure, excepting where the frontal and the occipital bones of the skull were pressed together in infancy. This was frequently done by the mothers, with the male children, when they were designed for warriors. The forehead is sometimes low, but frequently high and finely formed; the eye-brows are dark and well defined, occasionally arched, but more generally straight; the eyes seldom large, but bright and full, and of a jet black colour; the cheek-bones by no means high; the nose either rectilinear or aquiline, often accompanied with a fulness about the nostrils; it is seldom flat, notwithstanding it was formerly the practice of the mothers and nurses to press the nostrils of the female children, a fiat and broad nose being by many regarded as more ornamental than otherwise. The mouth in general is well formed, though the lips are sometimes large, yet never so much so as to resemble those of the African. The teeth are always entire, excepting in extreme old age, and, though rather large in some, are remarkably white, and seldom either discoloured or decayed. The ears are large, and the chin retreating or projecting, most generally inclining to the latter. The form of the face is either round or oval, and but very seldom exhibits any resemblance to the angular form of the Tartar visage, while their
16 POLYNESIAN RBSJSARCHB4.
profile frequently bears a most striking resemblance to that of the European countenance. Their hair is of a shining black or dark brown colour; straight, but not lank and wiry like that of the American Indian, nor, excepting in a few solitary instances, woolly like the New Guinea or New Holland negroes* Frequently it is soft and curly, though seldom so fine as that of the civilized nations inhabiting the temperate zones.
There is a considerable difference between the stature of the male and female sex here, as well as in other parts of the world, yet not so great as that which often prevails in Europe. The females, though generally more delicate in form and smaller in size than the men, are, taken altogether, stronger and larger than the females of England, and are sometimes remarkably tall and stout. A roundness and fulness of figure, without extending to corpulency, distinguishes the people in general, particularly the females.
It is a singular fact in the physiology of the inhabitants of this part of the world, that the chiefs, and persons of hereditary rank and influence in the islands, are, almost without exception, as much superior to the peasantry or common people, in stateliness, dignified deportment, and physical strength, as they are in rank and circumstances; although they are not elected to their station on account of their personal endowments, but derive their rank and elevation from their ancestry. This is the case with most of the groups of the Pacific, but peculiarly so in Tahiti and the adjacent isles. The father of the late king was six feet four inches high; Pomare was six
POLYNESIAN RBSSAfLCHOS.
17
feet two. The present king of Raiatea is equally tall. Mahine, the king of Huahine, bat for the effects of age, would appear little inferior. Their limbs are generally well formed, and the whole figure proportioned to their height; which renders the difference between the rulers and their subjects so striking, that some have supposed they were a distinct race, the descendants of a superior people, who at a remote period had conquered the aborigines, and perpetuated their supremacy. It does not, however, appear necessary, in accounting far the fact, to resort to such a supposition; different treatment in infancy, superior food, and distinct habits of life, are quite sufficient.
The prevailing colour of the natives is an olive, a bronze, or a reddish brown—^equally removed from the jet-black of the African and the Asiatic, the yellow of the Malay, and the red or copper-colour of the aboriginal American, frequently presenting a kind of medium between the two latter colours. Considerable variety, nevertheless, prevails in the completion of the population of the same island, and as great a diversity among the inhabitants of different islands. The natives of the Paliser or Pearl Islands, a short distance to the eastward of Tahiti, are darker than the inhabitants of the Georgian group. It is not, however, a blacker hue that tiieir skin presents, but a darker red or brown. The natives of Maniaa, or Mangeea, one of the Harvey cluster, and some of the inhabitants of Rurutu, and the neighbourhood to tiie south of Tahiti, designated by Malte Bran, w the Austral Islands/' and the majority of the reigning family in Raiatea, are not darker than the kmabitants of some parts of southern Europe.
II. D
IS
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHR9.
At the time of their birth, the complexion of TnA hitian infants i* but little if any darker than that of* European children, and the skin only assumes the bronze or brown hue as they grow up under repeated or constant exposure to the sun. Those parts of the body that are most covered, even with their loose draperies of native cloth, are, through every period of life, much lighter coloured than those that are exposed; and, notwithstanding the dark tint with which the climate appears to dye their skin, the ruddy bloom of health and vigour, or the sudden blush, is often seen mantling the youthful countenance under the light brown tinge, which, like a thin veil, but partially conceals its glowing hue. The females who are much employed in beating cloth, making mats; or other occupations followed under shelter, are usually fairer than the rest; while the fishermen, who are most exposed to the sun, are invariably the darkest portion of the population.
Darkness of colour was generally considered an indication of strength; and fairness of complexion, the contrary. Hence, the men were not solicitous either to cover their persons, or avoid the Bun's rays, from any apprehension' of the effect it would produce on the skin. When they searched the field of battle for the bones of the slain, to use them in the manufacture of chisels, gimlets, or fish-hooks, they always selected those whose skins were dark, as they supposed their bones were strongest. When I have seen the natives looking at a very dark man, I have sometimes heard them say, " Taata ra e, te ereere! wi maiiai tona:" The man, how dark! good bones are his. A fair complexion was not an object of admiration or desire. They never
. POLYNESIAN JUSSBABCHKS. 49
considered the fairest European countenance seen among them, handsomer than their own 5 and sometimes, when a fine, tall, well-formed, and personable.man has landed from a ship, they have remarked as he passed along, "A fine, man that, if-he, were but a native.0 They formerly supposed the white colour, of the European's skin to be the effect .of illness, and hence beheld it with pity. This opinion probably originated from the effects of a disease with which. they, are occasionally afflicted—a kind of leprosy, which turns the skin of the parts affected, white. This impression, however, is now most probably removed by the .lengthened intercourse. they have had with foreigners, and the residence of European families among them.
The mental capacity of. the Society Islanders has been hitherto-much, more partially developed than their physical character. They are.remarkably curious and inquisitive, and, compared with other Polynesian nations, may be said to possess considerable ingenuity, together . with mechanical invention . and imitation. Totally unacquainted . with the use. of letters,. their minds could not be improved by any regular, or. continued culture; yet the distinguishing features.of their civil polity—?the imposing nature, the numerous observances, and diversified ramifications. of their my-thology—the legends of their gods—the historical songs. of their bards—the beautiful, figurative, and 'impassioned eloquence sometimes displayed .in their national assemblies—and, above all, the copiousness, .variety, precision, and purity Lof their language, with .their extensive use of numbers—warrant the conclusion, that, they possess no contemptible mental capabilities.
20
POLYNESIA* ttygifcrtff^HltlT
This conclusion has been abundantly confirmed since the establishment of schools, and the iatrodnc* tion of letters. Not only have the children and young persons learned to read, write, cipher, and commit their lessons to memory with a facility and quickness not exceeded by individuals of the same age in any civilized country; but the education of adults, and even persons advanced in years—which in England with every advantage is so difficult an undertaking, that nothing but the use of the best means and the most untiring application ever accomplished it—has been effected here with comparative ease. Multitudes, who were upwards of thirty or forty years of age when they commenced with the alphabet, have, in the course of twelve months, learned to read distinctly in the New Testament, large portions, and even whole books of which, some of them have in a short period committed to memory.
They acquired the first rules of arithmetic with equal facility, and have readily received the different kinds of instruction hitherto furnished, as fast as their teachers could prepare lessons in the native language. It is probable that not less than ten thousand persons have learned to read the sacred Scriptures, and that nearly an equal number are either capable of writing, or are under instruction. In the several stations and branch- stations, many thousands are still receiving daily instruction in the first principles of human knowledge and Divine truth.
The following extract from the journal of aTahhian, now a native Missionary in the Sandwich group, is not only most interesting from the intelligence it conveys, but creditable to the writer's talents. It was published
lOLYltBttAM RESBABCBJB&.
21
Id the American Missionary Herald, and refers to the young princess of the Sandwich Islands, the only sister of the late and present king.
"Nahiaaaena, In knowledge and words, It a woman of matured understanding. All the fathers and mothers of this land are ignorant and left-handed; they become children in the presence of Nahienaena, and she is their mother and teacher. Her own men, women, and children, those composing her household (of domestic establishment,) Mate* to the good wosd of ©ed from her liysv She ape instructs Hoepiri and wife in good things. She teaches them night and day. She is constantly speaking to her steward, and to all her household. Very numerous are the words which she speaks, to encourage, and to strengthen them in the good way*
* The ypang princess hat always been pleasant in oonversatfcm, Hn words are good words* She takes pleasure in conversation, like a woman of mature years. She orders her speech with great wisdom and discretion, always making a just distinction between good and evil. She manifests much discernment to speaking to ethers the word of God, and the word of love. It was by the miOiosmsnesB of the pen* pie, old and young, that she was formerly led astray. She was then ignorant of the devices of the wicked. They have given her no reat j but have presented every argument before her that this world could present, to win her over to them.
"Hahtoaaena desires mom to make herself very low. She does not wish to be exalted by men. She desires to oast off entirely the te» hearsing of names; for her rejoicing is not now in names and titles* This is what she desires, and longs to have rehearsed—' Jesus alone; let him be lifted up; let him be exalted; let all rejoice In him} let our hearts sing praise to him.' This is the language of her inmost seoV
On a public occasion* in the island of Rainfrn, daring the year 182&, a number of the inhafaitanta were con* versing on the wisdom of God; which, it was observed, though so long unperceived by them, was strikingly exhibited in every object they beheld. In confimtetton of mis, a venerable and gray-headed man, who had formerly been a sorcerer, or priest of the evil spirit,
22 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
stretchedtforth his hand, and looking at the limbs of his body, said, "Here the wisdom of God is displayed. I have hinges from my toes to my finger-ends. This finger has its hinges, and bends at my desire—this arm, on its hinge, is extended at my will—by means of these hinges, my legs bear me where I wish; and my mouth, by its hinge, masticates my food. Does not all this display the wisdom of God ?"
The above will shew, more clearly than - any declaration I can make, that the inhabitants of these distant isles, though shut out for ages from intercourse with every other part of the world, and deprived of every channel of knowledge, are, notwithstanding, by no means inferior in intellect or capacity to the more favoured inhabitants of other parts of the globe. These statements also warrant the anticipation that they will attain an elevation equal to that of the most cultivated and enlarged intellect, whenever they shall secure the requisite advantages.
They certainly appear to possess an aptness for learning, and a quickness in pursuit, of it, which is highly encouraging, although in some degree counteracted by the volatile disposition, and fugitive habits, of their early life, under the influence of which their mental character was formed.
The moral character of the South Sea Islanders, though more fully developed than their intellectual capacity, often presents the most striking contradictions. Their hospitality has, ever since their discovery, been proverbial, and cannot be exceeded. It is practised alike by all ranks, and is regulated only by the means of the individual by whom it is exercised. A poor man feels himself called upon, when a friend from a distance visits
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
23
his dwelling, to provide an entertainment for him, though he should thereby expend every article of food he possessed; and would generally divide his fish or his bread-fruit with any one, even a stranger, who should be in need, or who should ask him for it.
lam- willing to afford them every possible degree of credit Jot the exercise of this truly amiable disposition; yet, when it is considered, that a guest is not entertained day after day at his friend's table, but that after one large collection of food has been presented, the visi-tor must provide for himself, while the host ft& quently takes but little further concern about him— we are induced to think that the force of custom is as powerful in its influence on his mind, as that of hospitality. In connexion with this; it should be recollected, that for every such entertainment, the individual expects to be reimbursed in kind* whenever he may visit the abode of his guest. Their ancient laws of government, also, imperiously required the poor industrious landholder, or farmer, to bring forth the produce of his garden or his field for the use of the chiefs, or the wandering and licentious Areois, whenever they might halt at his residence 5 and more individuals have been banished, or selected as sacrifices, for withholding what these daring ramblers required, than perhaps for all other crimes. To withhold food from the king or chiefs, when they might enter a district, was* considered a crime next to resisting the royal authority, or declaring war against the king; and this has in a great degree rendered the people so ready to provide an entertainment for those by whom they maybe visited.
Next to their hospitality, their cheerfulness and
24
XOIYNKSIAN RSSBAftCBBS.
good nature strikes a stranger. They are seldom melancholy or reserved, always willing to cater into conversation, sad ready to be pleased, and to attempt to pteose their associates. Tney are, generally speaking, careful not to give offence to each other* bat though, since the introduction of Christianity, famines dwell together, and find an increasing interest in social interconrse, yet they do not realize that high satisfaction experienced by members of families more advanced jst civilization* There are, however, law domestic broils; and were fifty natives taken promts-cnoasly from any town or village, to be placed in a neighbourhood Or house—where they would disagree ones, fifty Englishmen, selected in the tame way, and placed >sna*r similar circumstances, would quarrel perhaps twenty times. They do not appear to delight in provoking one another, but are fef more accustomed to jesting, mirth, and humour, than hriiating or reproachful language.
Their jests and raillery were not always confined to individuals, bat extended to neighbourhoods, or the population of whole islands. The inhabitants of one of the Leeward Islands, TsJhaa, I believe, even to the present time furnish matter for mkthful jest to the natives of the other islands of the 'group, from the csrcanJstaace of one of their people, the first time she saw a foreigner who wore boots, exclaiming, witfi astonishment that the individual had s>oa hgt. It n also said, that among the first scissors possessed by the Huahinsaas, one pair became exceedingly doll, and the simple-hearted people, not knowing how to remedy this defect, tried several experiments, and at length baked tie seiner* in a native oven, for the purpose of sharpen-
POLYNESIAN RSSKARCRftS.
35
ing them. Hence the people of Huahine ere often ipoken of in jett by the Tahitiane, an the/sfo mpwHy or people that baked the scissors. The Tahitiane themselves were la their turn subjects of raillery, from tome of their number who resided at a distance from the sea, attempting, on one occasion, to kill a turtle by pinching its throat* or strangling it, when the neck was drawn into the shell, on which they were surprised to find they could make no impression with their fingers. The Huahlneans* therefore, in their tarn, spoke of the Tabi-tians as the /eto wtmi htmu, the people that strangled the turtle.
TTieir humour and their jests were, however* but rarely what might be termed innocent sallies of wit, and were in general low and immoral to a disgusting degree. Their common conversation, when engaged in their ordinary avocations, was often such as the ear could not listen to without pollution, presenting images, and conveying sentiments, whose most fleeting passage through the mind left contamination* Awfully dark, indeed* was their moral character, and notwithstanding the apparent mildness of their disposition, and the cheerful vivacity of their conversation, no portion of the human raocf was ever perhaps sunk lower in brutal licentiousness and moral degradation, than this isolated people. The veil of oblivion must be spread over this part of their character, of which the appalling picture, drawn by the pen of inspiration in the hand of the apostle, in the first chapter of the epistle to the Romans, revolting and humiliating as it is, affords but too faithful a portraiture*
The depraved moral habits of the South Sea Islanders undoubtedly weaken their mental energies, and enervate
II. R
26
POLYNESIAN RBSBABCHJSS.
their physical powers $ and although remarkably strong men are now and then met with among them, they seem to be more distinguished by activity, and capability of endurance, than muscular strength. They engage in some kinds of work-with great spirit for a time, but they soon tire. Regular, steady habits of labour are only acquired by long practice. When a boat manned with English seamen, and a canoe with natiyes, have started together from the shore—at their first setting out, the natives would soon leave the boat behind, but, as they became weary, they would relax their vigour; while the seamen, pulling on steadily, would not only overtake them, but, if the voyage occupied three or four hours, would invariably reach their destination first.
The natives take a much larger quantity of refreshment than European labourers, but their food is less solid and nutritive. They have, however, the power of enduring fatigue and hunger in a greater degree than those by whom they are visited. A native will sometimes travel, in the course of a day, thirty or forty miles, frequently over mountain and ravine, without taking any refreshment, except the juice from si piece of sugarcane, ' and apparently experience but little inconvenience from his excursion. The facility with which they perform their journeys is undoubtedly the result of habit, as many are'accustomed to traverse the mountains, and climb the rocky precipices, even from their childhood.
The longevity of the islanders does not appear to have been, in former times, inferior to that of the inhabitants of more temperate climates. It is, however, exceedingly difficult to ascertain the age of individuals in a corn-
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
27
munity destitute of all records; and although many persons are to be met with, whose wrinkled skin, decrepit form, silver hair, impaired sight, toothless jaws, and tremulous voice, afford every indication of extreme age; these alone would be fallacious data, as climate, food, and habits of life might have prematurely induced them. Our inferences are therefore drawn from facts connected with comparatively recent events in their history, the dates of which are well known. When the Missionaries arrived in the Duff, there were natives on the island who could recollect the visit of Captain Wallis: he was there in 1767* There are, in both the Sandwich and Society Islands, individuals who can recollect Captain Cook's visit, which is fifty years ago; there are .also two now in the islands, that were taken away in the Bounty, forty years since; and these individuals do not look more aged, nor even so far advanced in years, as others that may be seen. The opinion of those Missionaries who have been longest in the islands is, that many reach the age of seventy years, or upwards. There is, therefore, every reason to believe, that the period, of human life, in the South Sea Islands, is not shorter than in other parts of the world, unless when it is rendered so by the inordinate use of ardent spirits, and the influence of diseases, prevailing among the lower classes, from which they were originally exempt, and the ravages of which they are unable to palliate or remove.
The mode of living, especially among the farmers, their simple diet, and the absence of all stimulants, their early hours of retiring to rest, and rising in the morning with or before the break of day, their freedom from irritating or distressing cares,
28
POLYNESIAN BBSBARCHSS.
and sedentary habits, which so often, in artificial or civilized society, destroy health, appear favourable to the longevity oi this portion of the inhabitants, and present a striking contrast to the dissipated and licentious habits of the Areois, the dancers, and similar classes.
It is impossible for any one who has visited these shores, or traversed any one oi the districts, to entertain the slightest doubt that the number of inhabitants in the South Sea Islands was formerly much greater than at present. What their number, in any remote period of their history, may have been, it is nqt easy to ascerr tain: Captain Cook estimated those residing in Tar hit! at 200,000. The grounds, however, on which he formed his conclusions were certainly fallacious. The population was at all times so fugitive and uncertain, as to the proportion it bore to any section of geographical surface, that no correct inference!, as to the amount of the whole, could be drawn from the numbers seen in one part. Captain Wilson's calculation, in 1797, made the population of Tahiti only about 16,000; and, not many years afterwards, the Missionaries declared it as their opinion, that this island did not contain more than 8000 souls j and I cannot thjnk that, within the last thirty years, it has ever contained fewer inhabitants.
The present number of natives is about 10,000. That of Eimeo and Tetuaroa probably 2,000. The Leeward Islands perhaps contain nearly an equal number. The Austral Islands have about 5,000 inhabitants \ 4,000 of whom reside in the islands of Rqpa and Raivavai. Rarotogna, or Rarotoa, has a population of nearly 7,000; and the whole of the Harvey
POXYKJSSlAtf RJBSBAftCJWS, $19
Islands contain not lots than ten or eleven thousand. Connected with these may be considered the Paumo-toe or Pearl Islands, of whose population it is dim* eult to form any oorrect estimate, as there are no means of ascertaining their numbers, excepting from the reports of the natives, and the observations of masters of vessels, who generally make a very short stay among them. Anaa, or Prince of Wales's Island, is said to be inhabited by several thousands, and as the islands are numerous, though small, it is to be presumed that their population does not amount to less than ten thousand. From these statements it will appear, that the population of the Georgian and Society Islands together with the adjacent clusters, with which the natives maintain constant intercourse, and to which Christianity has been conveyed by native or European teachers, comprises between forty-eight and fifty thousand persons* In this number, the Marquesas, to which native teachers have gone, and which one of the Missionaries has recently visited, are not included. Their population is probably ajiout thirty thousand.
With respect to the Society and neighbouring islands, although no ancient monuments are found indicating that they were ever inhabited by a rage much further advanced in civilization than those found on their shores by Wallis, Cook, and Bougainville j yet that race has evidently, at no very remote period, been much more numerous than it was when discovered by Europeans. In the bottom of every valley, even to the recesses in the mountains, on the aides of the inferior mils, and on the brows of almost every promontory, in each of the islands, monuments
30
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
of former generations are still met with in great abundance. Stone pavements of their dwellings and court-yards, foundations of houses, and ruins of family temples, are numerous. Occasionally they are found in exposed situations, but generally amidst thickets of brushwood or groves of trees, some of which are of the largest growth. All these relics are of the same kind as those observed among the natives at the time of their discovery, evidently proving that they belong to the same race, though to-a more populous eera of their history. The stone tools occasionally, found near these vestiges of antiquity demonstrate the same lamentable fact.
The present generations are deeply sensible of the depopulation that has taken place, even within the recollection of those most advanced in years, and have felt acutely in prospect of the annihilation that appeared inevitable. Their priests formerly denounced the destruction of the nation, as the greatest punishment the gods could inflict, and the following was one of the predictions: JS iupu te fau> e toro te fareroy e mou te taata: "Hie feu {hibiscus) shall grow, the farero (coral) shall spread or stretch out its branches, but man shall cease."—The fau is one of the most spreading trees, and is of quickest growth; it soon over-runs uncultivated lands; while the branching coral, farero, is perhaps more rapid in its formation than any of the corallines that close up the openings in the reefs, and, wherever it is shallow, rise to the. water's surface, so as to prevent the passage of the canoe, and destroy the resort of the fish. . This was denounced as the punishment that would follow disobedience to the
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
31
junctions or requisitions of the priest, delivered in the name, and under the authority, of the gods. Tati, however, remarked to Mr. Davies, that it was the observing, not the neglecting of the directions of the priest, that had nearly produced its actual accomplishment.
At the time when the nation renounced idolatry, the population was so much reduced, that many of the more observant natives thought the denunciation of this prophet was about to be literally fulfilled. Tati, the chief of Papara, talking with Mr. Davies on this subject, in 1815, said, with great emphasis, that" if God had not sent his word at the time he did, wars, infant-murder, human sacrifices, &c. would have made an end of the small remnant of the nation/' A similar declaration was pathetically made by Pomare soon after, when some visitors from England waited upon him at his residence. He addressed them to the following effect:€t You have come to see us under circumstances very different from those under which your countrymen formerly visited our ancestors. They came in the ®ra of men, when the islands were inhabited, but you are come to behold just the remnant of the people/' I have often heard the chiefs speak of themselves and the natives as only a small toea, remainder, left after the extermination of Satani, or the evil spirit; comparing themselves to a firebrand unconsumed among the mouldering embers of a recent conflagration. These figures, and others equally affecting and impressive, were but too appropriate, as emblems, of the actual state to which they were at that time reduced. Under the depopulating influence of vicious, habits—the dreadful devastation of diseases that followed, and the early destruction of health—the prevalence
32 POLYNESIA* RESEARCHES.
of infanticide—4he frequency of war—the barbarous principles upon which it was prosecuted, and the increase of human sacrifices, it does not appear possible that they could have existed, as a nation, for many generations longer.
An inquiry naturally presents itself in connexion with this subject, viz.—To what cause is this recent change in the circumstances of the people to be attributed ? It is self-evident, that if these habits had always prevailed among the Tahitians, they must long since have been annihilated. Society must* at some time, have been more favourable, not only to the preservation, but to the increase of population, or the inhabitants could never have been so numerous as they undoubtedly were a century or a Century and a half ago. There is no question but that depopulation had taken place to a considerable extent prior to their discovery by Captain Wallis, and it is not easy to discover the causes which first led to it. Infanticide and human sacrifices, together with their wars, appear to have occasioned the dimunition of the inhabitants before the period alluded to. Whether war was more frequent immediately preceding their discovery, than it had been in earlier ages, we have not the means of knowing, no* have we been able to ascertain, with any great accuracy, how long the Areoi society had existed, or child-murder was practised. There is reason to believe that infanticide is not of recent origin, and the antiquity of the Areoi fraternity, according to tradition, is equal to that of the first inhabitants.
Human sacrifices, we are informed by the natives, are comparatively of modern institution, and were not admitted until a few generations antecedent to the discovery of the islands. They were first offered at
Raiatea, in the national macae at 0|>oa, hating Wen demanded by the priest In the imme of the god, who had riannHsmentcd fte nquiaitkm to his servant in a dream. Human sacrifices wans presented At fiaiatea and the Lee-waad Inlands fersome time before they were introduced among ttae <ammmgs to the deities of Tahiti; hot aeon after they began to be employed, they were offered with gfeat&eanenoy, and 5a appattmg numbers: but of this, an Aooount will hereafter be given.
The depopulation that hMtaien place during-fee last two ar three generations, viz. aJnee their discovery, may be ene% accounted for. In addition to a disease, wnum, as a desolating scourge, spread, anpaltiated and unre-atrataaa, it* nnatghfly and fatal influence among the peopm, trwo other* am laparted to have been carried thMaaa-«one by the crew .of Vancouver in 1790$ and the otto by means of the Britannia, an finglidh whaler, in 1807. Both tbese disorders apnead through the islands; the fanner almost .as fatal as the plague, the knter affecting nearly nrery Indrndna) throughout aU tine ismnds-o/the group. Hie maladies originally pre-vailiak among them, appear, ooxnpared with those by wnidh they are now 'afflicted, to hare been few in number and mild in jcbaracter.
Next to disease, the mtaoatat&on of fire-arms, which, although fthejr use In war has mot perhaps rendered their engagements mom cruel and murdeoans than when (they fought Aand to hand with dub and jpear— they have un4pubtodly cherished, in those who possessed &emj a desire for (war, as a means <rf en-langmg #eir tenftary, >and augmenting their power. PomareVi tdomjnjien wouU never have been so extensive and «o afrplgfej *nt for Hie aid he derived, in the early
H. F
34 POLYNESIAN . RSSBARCHBS.
part of his. reign, from the mutineers of the Bounty, who attended him to battle with, arms which they had previously: learned to use with an. effect, which his opponents could not resist. Subsequently, the hostile chieftains,' having procured fire-arms, and succeeding in attaching to their interest European:deserters from their ships, considered themselves, if not invincible, at least equal to their enemies, and sought every. opportunity for engaging in the horrid work, of accelerating the depopulation Of their country. Destruction was the'avowed desjgn with which they commenced every v war,, and the principle of extermination rendered their hostilities so fatal to the .vanquished party. .
Another;cause most;influential.in the diminution of the Tahitian;race,!has been the introduction of the. art of distillation,' and the extensive use of. ardent spirits. They had, before they were visited by our ships,' a kind of intoxicating beverage. called ava^ but the deleterious effects resulting from its use were confined to a comparatively small portion of the inhabitants. The growth of the plant from which it was .procured was slow5 its culture required care; it was usually tabued for the chiefs;, and the common people were as strictly prohibited from appropriating it to their own use, as the peasantry are in. reference to the game of England. Its effects also were, rather sedative, than narcotic or inebriating. .
But after the Tahitians had been taught by foreign seamen, and natives of the Sandwich Islands, to distil spirits, from indigenous roots, and rum had- been carried to the islands in abundance as an article of barter, intoxication became almost, universal; and all the demoralization, crimes, and misery, that follow in its train, were added to the multiplied sorrows and wasting
POLYNESIAN RlSXARCHSS.
&
scourges of the people. It nurtured indolence, and pread discord through their families, increased the abominations of the Arebi society, and' the unnatural crime of infanticide. Before going to the temple to offer a human sacrifice to their gods, the priests have been known to intoxicate themselves, in order that they might T>e - insensible to - any unpleasant feelings' this horrid work'might excite.
These causes operating upon a people, whose simple habits of diet rendered their constitutions remarkably susceptible of violent impressions, are, to a reflecting mind, quite sufficient to account for the rapid depopulation of the islands within the last fifty or sixty years.
The philanthropist, however, will rejoice to know, that although sixteen years ago the nation appeared on the verge of extinction, it is now, under the renovating and genial principles of true religion, and the morality with which this is inseparably connected, rapidly increasing. When the people in general embraced Christianity, we recommended that a correct account of the births and deaths occurring in each of the islands should be kept. From the operation of the causes above enumerated, for some years even after the crimes in which they originated had ceased, the number of deaths exceeded that of births. About the years 1819 and 1820, they were nearly equal, and since that period population has been rapidly increasing.
It was not till the account of deaths and births was presented, that we had an adequate idea of the affecting depopulation that had heen going on; and if, for several years after infanticide, inebriation, human sacrifices, and war, were discontinued, the number of deaths exceeded that of the births; how appalling must that
96 POLYNBtU* EOTIIIflKl^
excesa have been, what all these deetsnctfre eausea were in full operation 1 There k now> however, every ground to indulge the expectation that the population will become greater than it hat been in any fanner period of their history; and it irf satisfactory, m connexion witli thio antieipadoay to know—that extent of soil capable of cultivation, and other r«scettraem> are adequate to the maintenance of a population taneott im leased above* ite present number*.
ia&nnmAM bjukabchia. -
V
chap. n.
ef Taaomand Hisa—RmamMancs to Jewish Ustey^-<Macide*ceft in language, mythology, &c.. with the language, &c. of the Hindoos and Malays, Madagasse, and South American*—Difficulty of reaching she kBUMb intt the wee*—^Acuonnt of esneieiit native voyages-** Qaos>s#hissle»ltata»»wMcfatl»r^^
Tail—Account of the introduction of animals Pmdictions of their an-rient prophets relating to the anrival of ships—Traditions of the deluge, corresponding with the accounts in sacred and profane writings.
Thb origin of the inhabitants of the South Sea Islands, m common with- other parte of Polynesia, is a subject perhaps of most interest and curiosity, than, of imporV anoe and practical utility. The vaat extent of geographical surface covered by the race of which they form an integral portion, the analogy in character, the identity in language, &o, the remote distance at which the different tribes are placed from each other, and the isolated spots and solitary clnstera which, they occupy in the vast expense of surrounding water, render the source whence they were derived, one of the mysteries connected with, the history of our species.
To a Missionary, the business of whose life is with the people among whom he is stationed, every thing relating to their history is, at least, interesting; and the origin of the islanders has often engaged our attention, and formed the subject of our inquiries. The early history of a people destitute of all records, and
38 POLYNESIAN* RESEARCHES.
remote from nations in whose annals contemporaneous events would be preserved, is necessarily involved in obscurity. The greater part of the traditions of this people are adapted to perplex rather than facilitate the investigation.
A very generally received Tahitian tradition is, that the first human pair were made by Taaroa, the principal deity formerly acknowledged by the nation. On more than one occasion, I have listened to the details of the people respecting his work of creation. They say, that after Taaroa had formed the world, he created man out of araea, red earth, which was also the food of man until bread-fruit was made. In connexion with this, some relate that Taaroa one day called for the man by name. When he came, he caused him to fall asleep, and that, while he slept, he took out one of his tt*, or bones, and with it made a woman, whom he gave to the man as his wife, and that they became the progenitors of mankind. This always appeared to' me a mere recital of the Mosaic account of creation, which they had heard from some European, and I never placed any reliance on it, although they have repeatedly told me it was a tradition among them before any foreigner arrived. Some have also stated that the woman's name was Ivi, which would be by them pronounced as if written Eve. Ivi is an aboriginal word, and not only signifies a bone, but also a widow, and a victim slain in war. Notwithstanding the assertion of the natives, I am disposed to think that it/t, or Eye, is the only aboriginal part of the story, as far as it respects the mother of the human race. Should 'more careful and minute inquiry confirm the truth of their declaration, and prove that this account was in existence among
POLYXSSIAN RESEARCHES.
39
them prior to their intercourse with Europeans, it will be the most remarkable and valuable oral tradition of the origin of the human race yet known.
Another .extensive and popular tradition referred the origin of the people to Opoa, in the island of Raiatea, where the tits, or spirits, formerly resided, who assumed of themselves, or received from the gods, human bodies, and became. the progenitors .of mankind* The name of one was Tii Maaraauta$ TU9 branching or extending towards the land, or. the interior; and of the other, Tii Maaraatai, 2U9 branching or spreading towards the sea. It is supposed that prior to the period of Tii Maaraauta's existence, the islands were only resorted to by the gods or spiritual. beings, but that these two, endowed with powers of procreation, produced the human species. They first resided at Opoa, whence they peopled the island of Raiatea,* and subsequently spread themselves over the whole cluster. Others state, that Tii was not a spirit, but a human being, the first man made by the gods j that his. wife was sometimes called Tii, and sometimes Hina; that!when they died, their spirits were supposed to survive the dissolution of the body, and were still called by the jsame name, and hence the term tii was first applied to the spirits of the departed, a signification which it retained till idolatry was abolished.
In the Ladrbne Islands, departed chiefs, or the spirits of such, are called aritis, and to them prayers were addressed. The His of Tahiti were also considered a kind of inferior deities, to whom, on several occasions, prayers were offered. The resemblance of this term to the daemon or da of the ancients, is singular, and might favour the conjecture that both were derived from the same source.
49 POLYNBSIAN RBUtASCflBS.
The origin of the islands, at well as their iiriiahitants, ins ge»e«By attributed to Taim», «rHke joint agency of Taaroa and Hina, and afttfcongh ana of their traditions Mates that all the islands were formerly vnited in one /wins? m«^ or large continent, which the jpds in anger destroyed, scattering jn the ocean the fragment, <ef trine* Tahiti is -one of the largest; yet others ascribe their formation** Taaroa, who is said talus* inhoured so bard in the work <rf -creation, that the pnaVse per-npiratSon induced thereby, filled up the bottoms, and formed the sea; acooonting, by tinscsroninatanoe, tor its transparency and seJtoess, Others attrlbnte the origin of tiie world, the «lemente, the heamriy 1m41bs, «nd 4he human species, to the smcntatirn powers of their deities 5 f*»d, according fe» (their aoconnt, one ml the descendants of Taaroa, and the .aon of the ana and moon, and, in reference to has descent, the Jtfanco Capac of their mythology, ^embracing the aand <on the sea shore, %egat a son, who was catted Tii, and a daughter, who was catted <s>piira. These two, according to their traffition, were the fsfher and mother of mankind.
Birt the most dromnstasiUal tradition, relative to she origin of mankind, is one (for which, as well as for mnch valuable information on the mythology and wasahip of the idefe of the South Sea Islanders, I am indebted to the researches of my iesteemed friend andcosjojntor, Jn^3soiE» According *to this legend, man was the tffih order ttf intelfigent beings created by Taaroa and fiina, id whom an account wffl 'hereafter be *giwen,) and was called the Raku toote 4 4e oo w 1% "The class, or order Of the world, of, 4r by/TttV Hina hi reported to hare said to Taaroa, " What shall he done, how shall
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS. 41
man be obtained? Behold, classed or fixed are gods of the po, or state of night, and there are no men." Taaroa is said to hare answered, "Go on the shore to the interior, to your brother." Hina answered, "I have been inland, and he is not." Taaroa then nrii, "Go to the sea, perhaps he is on tike seat or if on the land, he will be on the land." Hina said, "Who is at sea?" The god answered, "Tiimaaraatai." Who is Tiimaarastia? is be a man ?" "He is a man, and your brother," answered the god j " Go to the sea, and seek him." When the goddess had departed, Taaroa ruminated, within himself as to the means by which man should be formed, and went to the land, where he assumed the appearance and substance which should constitute man. Hina returning from her unsuccessful search for Tiimaaraatai at sea, met him, but not knowing him, said, "Who are you?" "I am Tiimaaraatai/' he replied. "Where hare you been?" said the goddess: "I hare sought you here, and you were not; I went to the sea, to look for Tiimaaraatai, and he was not. "I hare been here in my house, or abode," answered Tiimaaraatai," and behold you have arrived, my sister, come to me." Hina said," So it is, you are my brother j let us live together." They became man and wife; and the son that Hina afterwards bore, they called Tii. He was the first-born of mankind* Afterwards Hina had a daughter, who was called Huiaereeremonoi ? she became the wife of Tii, and bore to him a son, who was called Taata, the general name (with Blight modification) for man throughout the Pacific Hina, the daughter and wife of Taaroa, the grandmother of Taata, being transformed into a beautiful young woman, became the wife of Taata or Man, bore him a son and a daughter, called
II. O
42 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
Ouru and Fana, who were the progenitors of the human race.
Another tradition stated, that the first inhabitants of the South Sea Islands originally came from a country in the direction of the setting sun, to which they say several names were given, though none of them are remembered by the present inhabitants.
Their • traditions are numerous, though it is difficult to obtain a correct recital of them from any of the present inhabitants; and there is but little reason to suppose they can impart any valuable information as to the country whence the inhabitants originally came. Some additional evidence, small indeed in quantity,-but rather more conclusive, may be gathered from the traditions of the mythology, customs, and language-preserved among the Tahitians, and inhabitants of other isles of the Pacific, when they are compared with those prevailing in different parts of the world. One of their accounts of creation, that in which Taaroa is stated to have made the first man with earth or sand, and the very circumstantial tradition they have of the deluge, if they do not, as some have supposed, (when taken in connexion with many customs, and analogies in language,) warrant the inference that the Polynesians have an Hebrew origin; they shew that the nation, whence they emigrated, was acquainted with some of the leading facts recorded in the Mosaic history of the primitive ages of mankind. Others appear to have a striking resemblance to several conspicuous features of the more modern Hindoo, or Braminical mythology. The account of the creation given in Sir W. Jones's translation of the Institutes of Menu, accords in no small degree with the Tahitian legends of the production
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
43
of the world, including waters, &c., by the procreative power of their god. The Braminical account is, that "He (i. e. the divine Being) having willed to produce various beings from his own Divine substance, first, with a thought, created the waters, and placed in them a productive seed. That seed became an egg, bright as gold* blazing like the luminary with a thousand beams, and in that egg he was born himself, in the form of Brama, the great forefather of all spirits. The waters were called nara, because they were the production of narmt, the spirit of God 5 and since they were his first ayana, or place of motion, he is thence named Ncnrayana, or moving in the waters. In the egg the great power sat inactive a whole year (of the creator 5) at the close of which, by his thought alone, he caused the egg to divide itself. From its two divisions he formed the heavens (above) and the earth (beneath)" &c. It is impossible to avoid noticing the identity of this account, contained in one of the ancient writings of the Bramins, with the ruder version of the same legend in the tradition prevailing in the Sandwich Islands, that the islands were produced by a bird, a frequent emblem of deity, a medium.through which the gods often communicated with men 5 who laid an egg upon the waters, which afterwards burst of itself, and produced the islands; especially, if with this we connect the appendages Tahitian tradition furnishes, that at first the heavens joined the earth, and were only separated by the teva, an insignificant plant, draoomtum pollyphillum, till their god, Ruu9 lifted up the heavens from the earth. The same event is recorded in one of their songs, in the following line:
NaRxuitoUrn.
Ruu did derate or raise the hearens.
44
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCRBS.
3ferUy or mount Mem, the abode of the gods, the heaven of the Hindoos, is also the paradise of some classes of the South Sea Islanders, the dwelling-place of departed kings, and others who hare been deified.
The institutes of Menu* also forbade a Bramin to eat with his wife, or to be present when she ate; and in this injunction may have originated the former universal practice among these islands, of the man and his wife eating their meat separately. Paruna and Vahai are among the gods of the Hindoos $ the latter, among the eight guardian deities of the world, appears to have been the Neptune of the Bramins, as we leam from the following lines in Sir W. Jones's beautiful translation of the hymn to Ihdra: ^Green Varuna, whom foaming waves obey:" and also,S( Vahni flaming like the lamp of day." Both the terms in the South Sea language for spirit, or spiritual being, bear a strong resemblance to these names; the one being tutruo, in which the * only is omitted; and in many words, as they are used among the other islanders, some of their consonants are omitted by the Tahitians. PaiH is also another apparently more ancient term for spirit used by them, which somewhat resembles the Fafmi of the Hindoos. Bishop Heber, the most recent writer on the usages and appearance of the Hindoos, informs us, in his admirable journal, that many things which he saw among the Inhabitants <& India reminded him o£ the plates in Cook's voyages.
The points of resemblance between the Polynesians and the Malayan inhabitants of Java, Sumatra, and Borneo, and the Ladrone, Caroline, and Philippine Islands, are still greater. Among the Battas of Sumatra, men
* Menu vu the Noah of the Hindoos j and Mini, pronounced Meru, was the first king of the Sandwich Islands.
POLYNESIAN BBSBARCHBS.
45
and women eat separately, cannibalism prevails, and they are much addicted to gaming. War is determined, and its results predicted, by observing the entrails of the animals offered in sacrifice} these all prevail in the isles of the Pacific.
The principal portion of the marriage ceremony, in some of these islands, consists in the bridegroom throwing a piece pf cloth over the bride, or the friends throwing it over both. This is also practised among the Tahitians. The bodies of the dead are kept by the inhabitants of the Caroline Islands, in a manner resembling the tupapaus of Tahiti; and, in the Ladrones, they feast round the tomb, and offer food, Ac to the departed. This practice also prevailed extensively in the Soiitb Sea Islands.
In the former also, according to the accounts of the Jesuit Missionaries, a licentious society existed, called by the people Uritoy, strikingly analogous, in all its distinguishing features, to that institution in the South Seas called the Areoi society. Their implements of war are alike. Dr. Buchanan states, that in Pulo Panang he saw a chief of the Malay tribe, who had a staff, the head of which was ornamented with a bushy lock of human hair, which the chief had cut from the head of his enemy when he lay dead at his feet. TTris exactly accords with the conduct of the Marquesans; many of whose clubs, and even walking* sticks, I have seen decorated with locks of human hair taken from those slain in battle.
Between the canoes and the language, of t^ese islands and the southern groups, there is a more dose resemblance. Their language has a remarkably close affi-
46
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
nity with that of the eastern Polynesia. There are also many points of resemblance in language, manners, and customs, between the South Sea Islanders and the inhabitants of Madagascar in the west; the inhabitants of the Aleutian and Kurile islands, in the north, which stretch along the mouth of Behring's straits, and form the chain which connects ,the old and the new worlds ; and also between the Polynesians and the inhabitants of Mexico, and some parts of South America. The general cast of feature, and frequent shade of complexion—the practice of tatauing, which prevails among the Aleutians, and some of the tribes of America—the process of embalming the dead bodies of their chiefs, and preserving them uninterred—the game of chess among the Araucanians—the word for God being tew or tev—the exposure of their children—their games-* their mode of dressing the hair, ornamenting it with feathers—the numerous words in their language resembling those of Tahiti, &c. $ their dress, especially the poncho, and even the legend of the origin of the Incas, bear no small resemblance to that of TO, who was also descended from the sun.
The points of resemblance are not so many as in the Asiatic continent and islands; but that probably arises from the circumstance of the great facilities furnished by the Hindoo records, and the absence of all original records relating to the history, mythology, manners, language, &c. of the aborigines of South America. Were we better acquainted with the history and institutions of the first inhabitants of the new world, more numerous points of resemblance would probably be discovered, • Other coincidences, of a more dubious character,
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
47
occur in the eastern, western, and intermediate or oceanic tribes; among which might be mentioned the account given by Sir John Mandeville. He is stated to have commenced his travels early in the fourteenth century. In a country near the river Indus, he met with the fountain of youth, the water of which being odoriferous, tasted of all manner of spices; and of this, whoever drank for a few days upon a fasting stomach, was quickly cured of every internal disorder with which he might be afflicted. To this description he added, it was certain those who lived near, and drank frequently of it, had a wonderful appearance of youth through their whole lives, and that he himself drank of it three or four times, and imagined his health was better afterwards. The expedition which led to the discovery of Florida was undertaken not so much from a desire to explore unknown countries, as to find an equally celebrated fountain, described in a tradition prevailing among the inhabitants of Puerto Rico, as existing in Binini, one of the Lucayo Islands. It was said to possess such restorative powers as to renew the youth and vigour of every person who bathed in its waters. It was in search of this fountain, which was the chief object of their expedition, that Ponce de Leon ranged through the Lucayo Islands, and ultimately reached the shores of Florida** Although it may throw no light on the origin of the South Sea Islanders, nor. furnish any evidence of their former connexion with the inhabitants either of India or America, the coinci-
* In reference to this enterprise, Robertson remark*: " That a tale so fabulous should gain credit among the nninstracted Indians, is not surprising ; that it should make any impression on an enlightened people, appears, in the present age, altogether incredible. The tact, however, is certain.
48
POLYNESIAN RSSBABCHBS.
dence is striking between these fabulous traditions, and those so circumstantially detailed by the natives of some of the islands of the Pacific, especially in the Hawaiian account of the voyage of Kamapiikai, to the land where the inhabitants enjoyed perpetual health and youthful beauty, where the wai era (life-giving fountain) removed every internal malady, and every external deformity or paralysed decrepitude, from all those who were plunged beneath its salutary Waters. A tabular view of a number of words in the Malayan, Asiatic, or the Madagusse, " the American, and the Polynesian languages, would probably shew, that at some remote period, either the inhabitants of these distant parts of the world maintained frequent intercourse with each other, or that colonies from some one of them, originally peopled, In part or altogether, the others. The striking analogy between the numerals and other parts of the language, and several of the customs* of the aborigines of Madagascar, and those of the Malays who inhabit the Asiatic islands, many thousands of miles distant in one direction, and of the Polynesians more remote in another, shews that they were originally one people, or that they had emigrated from the same source. Many words in the language, and several of the traditions, customs, &c. of the Americans, so strongly resemble those of Asia, as to warrant the inference that they originally came from that-part of the world. Whether some of the tribes who originally passed from Asia, along the Kurile or Aleutian Islands, across Behring's straits to America, left part of their number, who were the progenitors of the present race inhabiting those islands; and that they, at some subsequent period, either attempting to follow the tide of emigration to the east, or steering to the .south, were by the north-east
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCH&S;
49
trade winds driven to the Sandwich Islands, whence they proceeded to the southern groups $ or whether those 'who had traversed the north-west coast of America, sailed either from California or Mexico across the Pacific under the favouring influence of the regular easterly winds, peopled Easter Island, and continued under the steady easterly or trade-winds advancing westward till they met the tide of emigration flowing from the larger groups or islands, in which the Malays form the majority of the population—it is not now easy to determine. But a variety of facts connected with the past and present circumstances of the inhabitants of these countries, authorize the conclusion, that, either part of the present inhabitants of the South Sea Islands came originally from America, or that tribes of the Polynesians have, at some remote period, found their way to the continent.
The origin of the inhabitants of the Pacific is involved in great mystery, and the evidences are certainly strongest in favour of their derivation from the Malayan tribes inhabiting the Asiatic Islands; but, allowing this to be their source, the means by which they have arrived at the remote and isolated stations they now occupy, are still inexplicable. If they were peopled frpm the Malayan Islands, they must have possessed better vessels* and more accurate knowledge of navigation,'than they now exhibit, to have made their way against the constant trade-winds prevailing within' the tropics, arid blowing • regularly, with but transient and uncertain interruptions, from east to west. The nations "at present inhabiting the islands of the Pacific, have undoubtedly been more extensively spread than they now are. In the most remote and solitary islands occasionally dis-
II. H
50
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
covered in recent years, such am Piteakn's, on which the mutineer* of the Bounty settled* and on Fanning'* Island near Christmas Island, midway between the Society and Sandwich Islands, although now desolate, relics of former inhabitant* have bean found, ftwe-ments of floors, foundations of houses, and stone entrances, have been discovered; and stone adzes or hatchets have have been found at some distance from the surface, exactly tesetnofing those in use among the people oi the North and Scratk Pacifie at the time of their discovery. These facts prove that the nations now inhabiting these and other islands have been, in former times, more widely extended than they are at present. The monuments or vestiges of former population found in these islands are all exceedingly rude, and therefore warrant th£ inference that the people to whom they belonged were rude and uncivilized, and must have emigrated from a nation but littfe removed from a state of barbarism—a nation less civilized.than those must have been, who could have constructed vessels, and traversed this ocean six or seven thousand miles against the regularly prevailing winds, which must have been the fact, if we conclude they were peopled only by the Malays.
On the other handV it is easy to imagine how they could have proceeded front' the east. The winds would favour their passage, and the incipient stages of civilization in which they were found, Would resemble the condition of the aborigines of America, far more than that of the Asiatic*. There are many weU-autnenticaied ac-casntB of long voyages performed in native vessels by the inhabitants 6f both the Kortn and SMftfafcife; fo 1606* two canoes were driven frbaa Ancarso-tb on* of the Philippine islands, a distance of 400 miles. fci 1/^ two
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canoe* were drifted front a remote distance to one of the Marian islands. Captain Cook found in the island of Watco inhabitants of Tahiti, who had been drifted by contrary winds in a canoe, from some islands to the eastward, unknown to the natives. Several parties have, within the last few years, reached the Tahiliam shores from islands to the eastward, of which the Society Islanders had never before heard. In 1820, a canoe armed at Maurua, about twenty miles west of Bosabosa, which had come from Rurutu, one of the Anatral Islands. This Teasel had been at sea between a fortnight and three weeks, and, considering its route, must bare sailed seven or eight hundred miles* A mont recent instance occurred in 1824. a boat belonging to Mr. Williams of Raiatea, left that island with a westerly wind for Tahiti. The wind changed after the boat was out of sight of land. Tney were driven to the island of Atui, a distance of nearly 800 miles in a south-westerly direction, where they were discovered several months afterwards. An* other boat, belonging to3lr. Barff of Huabine, was passing between that island and Tahiti about the same time, and has never since been heard of. The traditions of the mhabitants of Rarotogna, one of the Harvey Island*, preserve the most satisfactory accounts, not only of sin* gle parties, at different periods for many generations ^ck, having arrived there from the Society Islands, but also derive the origin of the population from the island of Raiatea. Their traditions according with those of the Raiateans on the leading points, afford the strongest evidence of these islands having been peopled from those to the eastward.
If we suppose the population of the South Sea Islands to have proceeded from east to west, these events
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illustrate the means by which it may have been accomplished; for it is a fact, that every such voyage related in the accounts of voyagers, or preserved in the traditions of the natives, has invariably been from.east to west, directly opposite to that in which it must have been, had the population been altogether derived from the Malayan archipelago.
From whatever source, however, they have originated, the extent of geographical surface over which they have spread themselves, the variety, purity, and copiousness of their language,.the ancient character .of some of the best traditions, as of the deluge &c. justify the supposition of their remote antiquity. Yet their ignorance, of letters, of the use of iron till a short time prior to their discovery, and the. rude character of all their implements, and of the monuments of their ancestry, seem opposed to the idea of their having been derived, as supposed by some eminent modern geographers, from an ancient, powerful nation, which cultivated maritime habits, but which has been frittered down into detached local communities unknown to each other.
The accounts the natives give of the introduction of the animals found on the islands by the first European visitors, are most of them as fabulous as those relating to their own origin. Some, indeed, say that pigs and dogs were brought from the west by the first inhabitants; but others refer their origin to man. One of their traditions states, that after Taaroa had made the world and mankind, he created the quadrupeds of the earth, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; but one of their most indelicate accounts states, that in ancient times a man died, and after death his body was destroyed by worms, which ultimately grew into swine—and were the
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first known in the islands. We never observed among them any traces of the Asiatic doctrine of the trans* migration of souls; although they believed that hogs had souls, and that there was a distinct place, called Ofetuna, whither they supposed the souls of the pigs repaired after their death. This idea some carried so far as to suppose, that, not only had animals souls, but to imagine that even flowers and plants were organized beings, also possessing souls. Another singular practice in reference to their pigs, was that of giving them .some distinct, though often arbitrary name; so that each pig had his own proper name, by which he was called, as well as the several members of the family. This difference, however, prevailed—a man frequently .changed his name, but the name of the pig, once received, was usually retained until his death.
The island of Raiatea has not only been distinguished among the surrounding cluster by its identity with the traditions of the past, but also by its being the source of predictions respecting the future. There are some which regarded the destiny of the people, but the most remarkable (because, according to the interpretation of the natives themselves, they have received a partial fulfilment) were those referring to the strange events that should occur. Among the native prophets of former times, there appear to have been several of the name of Mam, One of the most celebrated of this name resided at Raiatea, and on 4>ne occasion, when supposed to be under the inspiration of .the god, he predicted that in future ages a vaa ama are, literally an "outriggerless canoe/' would arrive in the islands from some foreign land. Accustomed to attach that appendage to their single
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canoes, whatever might be tie size or quality, they •considered an outrigger essential to their ttsnaimng upright upon the water, and consequently could mat believe that a canoe without one would live at sea. The absence of thiB has ever appeared to tfce South Sea Islanders one of the greatest wonders connected wilii the visits of the first European vessels. At one of the Harvey Islands, where the natives had never seem a vessel until recently visited by a Missionary, when she boat was lowered down to the water, and pushed off by the rowers from the ship's side, €he natives simultaneously and involuntarily exclaimed—•" It wIM •overturn and sink, it has no outrigger/'
The chiefs and others, to whom Maui delivered his prophecy, were also convinced in their own minds, that a canoe would not swim without this necessary balance, and charged him with foretelling an Impossibility. He persisted in his predictions, and, m order to remove their scepticism as to its practicability, launched his umete, or oval wooden dish, upon the surface of a pool of water near which he was sitting, and declared that in the same manner Would the vessel swim' that should arrive.
We have not been able to ascertain the period of tibeir history during which this peedktion was delivered. It was preserved among the people by -end tradition, until the arrival of Captain Wallis's aaf Cook's vessels. When the natives first saw these, they were astonished at their gigantic size, imposing appear) anee, and the tremendous engines on board. These appearances induced them first to suppose the ships were islands inhabited by a supernatural order of beings, at whose direction the lightnings flashed, the thunders
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rented, and the destroying demon star, with iuatante-nssms but invisible strokes, the* most daring and valiant of their warriors. But when they afterwards went s£on|pnde, or ventured on board, and saw that they were floating fabric* of timber, borne on the surface of ifee waters, and propelled by the winds of heaven, ihejr uztanimoualy declared that the prediction d Maul WJ* accomplished, and ihe canoes without outriggers lad arrived. They; were confirmed in this interpretation, when they satv the small boats belonging to the •hips employed in passing to and fro between the vessel and the shore. These being simple in their structure, and approaching their own canoes In size, yttt conveying in perfect safety those by whom they were manned, excited their astonishment, and -confirmed their convictions that Maui was a prophet.
When a boat or a vessel has been sailing in or out of the harbour, I have often heard the natives, while gazing at ihe stately motion, exclaim, Te vaa a Mam e! Tavuaamaort. "Oh the canoe of Maui! the out* riggerless canoe!" They have frequently asked us how he could have known such a vessel would arrive, since H was at that time considered by all besides as an impossibility. We have tokk them it was probable he had observed the steadiness with which htsumete, or other hottow wooden vessels, floatejd on the water, and hud thence inferred that at some future period they might behold larger vessels efcmally destitute of any exterior balancing power. Tney in general consider ihe use of bouts and shipping among them as an accomplishment csl his prediction.
The islanders, also state, thai there is another prediction, still tto be MftBed; and although it appears
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to them as great an improbability as this, yet the actual appearance of one, leads many to think that possibly they may witness the other. This remaining prediction also has reference to a. canoe, and declares that after the arrival of the canoe without an' outrigger; e vaa taura ore, a canoe or vessel without ropes or cordage shall come among them. What idea Maui designed to convey by this declaration, it is perhaps not easy to ascertain; but the people say it is next to impossible that the masts should be sustained, the sails attached, or the vessel worked, without ropes or cordage. They say, however, that one prediction respecting the vessels has been accomplished, but that the other remains to be realized. I have often thought, when contemplating the little use of rigging on board our steam-vessels, that should a specimen of this modern invention ever reach the South Sea Islands, although the natives would not, perhaps, like the inhabitants of the banks of the Ganges, be ready to fall down and worship the wonderful exhibition of mechanical* skill, they would be equally astonished at that power within itself by which it would be propelled, and would at once declare that the second prediction of Maui was accomplished, and the vessel without rigging or cordage had arrived.
They have other predictions, but less circumstantial or probable, yet I never. could learn that they have ever been led, from the declarations of their Wise men, to anticipate the arrival of any distinguished personage in their country. The expectation of some wise and great prince or ruler .rising up among them, or coming from some distant region, which has prevailed' among many nations, and is generally supposed to refer to the
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appearance of the Saviour, does not seem to have existed among them; unless we suppose the anticipated return of Rono to the Sandwich Islands, hh watar of whom, the inhabitants supposed Captain Cook to be, refers to this event.
Traditions of the deluge, the most important event in reference to the external structure and appearance of our globe that has occurred since its creation, have been found to exist among the natives of the South Sea Islands, from the earliest periods of their history. Accounts, more or less according with the scripture narrative of this awful visitation of Divine justice upon the antediluvian world, have been discovered among most of the nations of the earth; and the striking analogy between those religiously preserved by the inhabitants of the islands of the Pacific, and the Mosaic account, would seem to indicate a degree of high antiquity belonging to this isolated people.
The principal facts are the same in the traditions prevailing among the inhabitants of the different groups, although they differ in several minor particulars. In one group the accounts stated, that in ancient times Taaroa, the principal god according to their mythology, the creator of the world, being angry with men on account of their disobedience to his will, overturned the world into the sea, when the earth sunk in the waters, excepting a few aurus, or projecting points, which remaining above its surface, constituted the present cluster of islands. The memorial preserved by the inhabitants of Eimeo, states, that after the inundation of the land, when the water subsided, a man landed from a canoe near Tiataepua, in their island, and erected an altar, or marae, in honour of his god. if. I
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The tradition, which prevails in the Leeward Islands, id intimately connected with the island of Raiatea. According to this, shortly after the first peopling of the world by the descendants of Taata, Buahatu, the Neptune of the South Sea Islanders, was reposing among the coralline groves in the depths of the ocean, on a spot that, as his resort, was sacred. A fisherman, either through forgetfulness or disregard of the tabu, and sacredness of the place, paddled his canoe upon the forbidden waters, and lowered his hooks among the branching corals at the bottom. The hooks became entangled in the hair of the sleeping god. After remaining some time, the fisherman endeavoured to pull up his hooks, but was for a long period unable to move them. At length they were suddenly disentangled from whatever they had been attached to, and he began to draw them towards the surface. In an instant, however, the god, whom he had aroused from his slumbers, appeared at the surface of the water, and, after upbraiding him for his impiety, declared, that the land was criminal or convicted of guilt, and should be destroyed.
The affrighted fisherman prostrated himself before the god of the sea, confessed his sorrow for what he had done, and implored his forgiveness, beseeching him that the judgment denounced might be averted, or that he might escape. Ruahatu, moved by his penitence and importunity, directed him to return home for his wife and child, and then proceed to a small island called Toa-marama, which is situated within the reefs on the eastern side of Raiatea. Here he was promised security, amid the destruction of the surrounding islands. The man hastened to his residence, and proceeded with
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his wife and child to the place appointed* Some say he took with him a friend who was residing under his roof, with a dog, a pig, and a pair of fowls, so that the party consisted of four individuals, besides the only domesticated animals known in the islands.
They reached the refuge appointed, before the close of the day; and as the sun approached the horizon, the waters of the ocean began to rise, the inhabitants of the adjacent shore left their dwellings on the beach, and fled to the mountains. The waters continued to rise during the night, and the next morning the tops of the mountains only appeared, above the wide-spread surface of the sea. These were afterwards covered, and all the inhabitants of the land perished. The waters subsequently retired, the fisherman and his companions left their retreat, took up their abode on the main land, and became the progenitors of the present inhabitants.
Toamarama, the ark in which those individuals are stated to have been preserved, is a small and low coralline island, of exceedingly circumscribed extent, while its highest parts are not more than two feet above the level of the sea. Whether, on the occasion above referred to, it was raised by Ruahatu to a greater elevation than the summits of the lofty mountains on the adjacent shore,* or whether the waters, when, according to their representations, they rose several thousand feet above their present level, formed a kind of cylindrical wall around Toamarama, the natives do not pretend to know, and usually decline discussing this circumstance. Their belief in the event was, however, unshaken; and whenever we have conversed with them on the subject, they have alluded to the farero, coral, shells, and other
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marine substances, occasionally found near the surface of the ground, on the tops of their highest mountains. These, they say, would never have been carried there by the people, and could not have originally existed in the situations in which they are now found, but must have been deposited there by the waters of the ocean, when the islands were inundated.—We do not consider these marine substances as evidences that the islands were overflowed at the deluge, but have generally been accustomed to attribute to the whole a formation, if not posterior, yet not of more than equal antiquity with that event. We have usually viewed the coral, shells, &c. which do not appear to be fossils, as indications of the submarine origin of the mountains, and have supposed they were deposited on the rocks, near the surface of which they are now found, when those rocks formed the bed of the ocean, and prior to those violent explosive convulsions by which they were raised to their present elevation, and formed the groups of islands now under consideration.
These are but mere speculative opinions, and however strong the indications of such an origin might appear to our own minds, we could not demonstrate that the different islands now existing had not formerly belonged to one large island. Neither could we shew that they were not the remains of a continent, originally stretching across the Pacific, and uniting Asia and America, which, having been overflowed by the waters of the deluge, might have disappeared after those disruptions had taken place, by which the fountains of the great deep were broken up. Such speculations would have been useless, and we should only have perplexed the minds of the people with our own opinions. In general,
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we endeavoured to direct them to the records of that great event preserved in the Scriptures; in the traditionary accounts of which, perpetuated, as they were likely to be, by the descendants of the family of Noah for many generations, their own traditions, with those of the Sandwich Islanders, and other neighbouring tribes, had probably originated. I have frequently conversed with the people on the subject, both in the northern and southern groups, but could never learn that they had any accounts of the windows of heaven having been opened, or the rain having descended. In the legend of Ruahatu, the Toamarama of.Tahiti, and the Kai of Kahinarii in Hawaii, the inundation is ascribed to the rising of the waters of the sea. In each account, the anger of the god is considered as the cause of the inundation of the world, and the destruction of its inhabitants. The element employed in effecting it is the same as that mentioned in the Bible; and in the Tahitian tradition, the boat or canoe being used, as the means of safety to the favoured family, and the preservation of the only domestic ftnimaU found on the islands, appear corrupted fragments of the memorial of Noah, the ark, and its inmates. These, with other minor points of coincidence between the native traditions and the Mosaic account of the deluge are striking, and warrant the inference, that although the former are deficient in many particulars, and have much that is fabulous in their composition, they yet refer to the same event.
The memorial of an universal deluge, found among all nations existing in those communities, by which civilization, literature, science, and the arts, have been carried to the highest perfection, as well as among the most untutored and barbarous, preserved through all the
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migrations and vicissitudes of the human family, from the remote antiquity of its occurrence to the present time, is a most decisive evidence of the authenticity of revelation. The brief yet satisfactory testimony to this event, preserved in the oral traditions of a people secluded for ages from intercourse ivith other parts of the world, is adapted to furnish strong additional evidence that the scripture record is irrefragable. In several respects, the Polynesian account resembles not only the Mosaic, but those preserved by the earliest families of the postdiluvian world, and supports the presumption that their religious system has descended from the Arkite idolatry, the basis of the mythology of the gentile nations. The mundane egg is conspicuous in the cosmogony of some of the most ancient nations. One of the traditions of the Hawaiians states, that a bird deposited an egg (containing the world in embryo) upon the surface of the primeval waters. If the symbol of the egg be supposed to refer to the creation, and the bird is considered a corrupted memorial of the event recorded in the sacred writings, in which it is said, "The Spirit of God moved upon the face of Ike waters/' the coincidence is striking. It is no less so, if it be referred to the ark, floating on the waters of the deluge* The sleep of Ruahatu accords with the slumber of Brama, which was the occasion of the crime that brought on the Hindoo deluge. The warning to flee, and the means of safety, resemble a tradition recorded by Kcempfer, as existing among th Chinese. The canoe of the Polynesian Noah has Us counterpart in the traditions of their antipodes, the Druids, whose memorial states the bursting of the waters of the lake Lieoo, and the overwhelming of the face of all lands, and drown-
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ing all mankind excepting two individuals, who escaped in a naked vessel, (a vessel without sails,) by whom the island of Britain was re-peopled. The safety which the progenitors of the Peruvian race are said to have found in caves, or the summits of the mountains, when the waters overflowed the land, bears a resemblance to the Hawaiian, and that of the Mexican, in which Coxcox, or Tezpi and his wife, were preserved in a bark, corresponds with the Tahitian tradition. Other points of resemblance between the Polynesian account, and the memorial of the deluge preserved among the ancient nations, might be cited; but these are sufficient to shew the agreement in the testimony to the same event, preserved by the most distant tribes of the human family.
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chap, in.
General state of society—Former modes of living—Proposed improvement in the native dwellings—Method of procuring lime from the coral-rock—First plastered houses in the South Sea Islands—Progress of improvement—Appearance of the settlement—Described by Captain Gambier—Sensations produced by the scenery, &c—Irregularity of the buildings—Public road—Effect on the surrounding country—Duration of native habitations—Building for public worship—Division of public labour—Manner of fitting up the interior—Satisfaction of the people-Chapel in Raiatea—Native chandeliers—Evening services.
The change which had taken place in Tahiti and Eimeo, in consequence of the abolition of idol worship, had been exceedingly gratifying, as it regarded the general conduct of the people, their professed belief in the truth of revelation, and their desire to regulate their lives by its injunctions; but the visible change which resulted from the establishment of the Missions in Huahine and Raiatea, was more striking, and did not fail to attract the notice, and command he approbation, of the most superficial observer.
We did not deem what is usually termed civilization essential to their receiving the forgiveness of sin, enjoying the favour of God, exercising faith in Christ, and being after death admitted to the heavenly state; yet we considered an improvement of their circumstances, and a change in their occupations, necessary to their
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consistent profession of Christianity, and the best means of counteracting that inveterate love of indolence to which from infancy tbey had been accustomed. Habits of application were also essential to the cultivation and enlargement of intellect, the increase of knowledge, and enjoyment in every department and every period of the present life. This was peculiarly desirable in reference to the rising generation, who were to be the future population, and who would arrive at years of maturity, under circumstances and principles as opposite as light and darkness to those under which their parents had been reared. Under these impressions, those who were stationed in the Leeward Islands, next to the attention they paid to religious instruction, directed their attention to the advancement of civilization among the people, and the improvement of their temporal condition. We had already persuaded them to extend the culture of the soil beyond the growth of the articles necessary for their support during the season when the bread-fruit yielded no supply, and to raise cotton and productions, which they might exchange for clothing, tools, &c. We now directed them to the improvement of their dwellings, which, generally speaking, were temporary sheds, or wide unpartitioned buildings, by no means favourable to domestic comfort or Christian decency.
When we landed at Fare in Huahine, I do not think there were more than ten or twelve houses in the whole district. Four, besides those we occupied, were of considerable size, belonging to the chiefs; the others were mere huts. In the latter, the inmates took their food, and rested upon their mats spread upon the floor; which, had it been simply of earth, would have been
II. K
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comparatively clean and comfortable. The. temporary roof of thatch was often pervious to the rays of the sun, and the drops of the frequently descending shower. In these cabins, parents, children, dogs, and frequently pigs and fowls, passed the night, and the greater part of the day. The houses of the chiefs were better built, and more capacious. The roofs generally impervious, and the sides frequently enclosed with straight white poles of the hibiscus tree. Their interior, however, was but little adapted to promote domestic comfort. The earthen floor was usually covered with long grass* This, by being repeatedly trodden under foot, became dry, broken, and filled with dust, furnishing also a resort for vermin, which generally swarmed the floors in such numbers, as to become intolerable. In these houses the people took their meals, sitting in circles on the grass-spread floor. Here, the fresh water used in washing their hands, the cocoa-nut water which was their frequent beverage, and the sea-water in which they dipped their food, was often spilt. MoiBture induced decay, and although over these parts of the floor they often spread a little fresh grass, yet many places in the native houses frequently resembled a stable, or a stable-* yard, more than any thing else.
In the drier parts of the house, along each side, the inmates slept at night. However large the building might be, there were no partitions or skreens. Some of their houses were two hundred feet long, and on the floor, hundreds have, at times, Iain down promiscuously to sleep. They slept on mats manufactured with palm-leaves, spread on the ground. These mats were generally, rolled up like a sailor's hammock in the morning, and spread out at night. The chief and his wife usually
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slept at one end of the house, without the least partition between them and the other inmates of their dwelling. Instead of a single mat, three or four, or even ten, were sometimes spread one upon the other, to give elevation and softness; and this, with the finer texture of the mats, was the only difference between the bed of the chief, and that on which the meanest of .his dependents slept. Instead of being spread on the floor, the mats were sometimes spread on a low bedstead, raised nine or twelve inches above the floor. The sides and bottom of this bedstead were made with the boards of the bread-fruit-tree. Next to the chief, the members of his own family spread their mats on the floor, and then the friends and attendants—the females nearest the chief, the men towards the opposite end of the building.
I have sometimes entered the large houses in Huahine, soon after our arrival there, and have seen, I think, forty, fifty, or sixty sleeping places of this kind, in one house, consisting of a mat spread on the ground, a wooden pillow or bolster, in the shape of a low stool, next the side or wall $ and a large thick piece of cloth, like a counterpane or shawl, which they call ahu taoto, sleeping-cloth, and which is their only covering, lying in the middle of each mat. There was no division or skreen between the sleeping places, but the whole ranged along in parallel lines from one end of the house to the other. What the state of morals must necessarily be among such a community, it is unnecessary to shew; yet such were the modes of life that prevailed among many, even after they had renounced idolatry. Such we found society in Huahine, and .such our friends in Raiatea found it there. One of the reasons which they gave why so manyslept in a house, was, their constant appre-
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hensions of evil spirits, which were supposed to wander about at night, and grasp or strangle those who were objects of their displeasure, and whom they might find alone. Great numbers passing the night under the same roof, removed this fear, and inspired a confidence of security from the attacks their idolatrous absurdities led them to expect.
The evils necessarily resulting from these habits were too palpable to allow us to delay attempting at least an alteration. We recommended each family to build distinct and comfortable cottages for themselves, and the chiefs to partition bed-rooms in their present dwellings, in which they must reside while building others; even in these we recommended them to reduce the number of their inmates, and to erect distinct sleeping rooms for those they retained.
We were happy to perceive on their part a willingness to follow our advice. The first native improvement was made by Mai, the chief of Borabora, residing at that time at Fare in Huahine. He directed his servants to clear out all the grass from the floor of the house he occupied; they then levelled the earth, procured lime, and plastered it over nearly an inch thick with mortar ; this hardened, and formed an excellent, solid, durable, and clean floor. With this material we had made the floors of our own temporary dwellings, in which we had erected slight partitions of hibiscus poles, covered with thick native cloth, to separate the different apartments from each other. In this also we soon perceived the chiefs promptly following our example. At the same time we commenced the erection of permanent places of residence for ourselves, and spared no pains to induce the people to do the same. Our first
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effort was to build a lime-kiln, on which we bestowed considerable labour, though it did not ultimately answer. The natives prepared their lime by burning it in a large pit, in a manner resembling that in which they had prepared their ovens for opio. This was done with greater facility than they could burn it in the kiln they had built, though with less economy in fuel.
Specimens of fibrous limestone, and small fragments of calcareous rock, have been occasionally found in some of the islands, but. not in quantity or kind to be available in the preparation of lime for building. Shells might be procured in tolerable abundance 5 but the white coral rock, of which the extensive reefs surrounding these islands are composed, and which appears inexhaustible, is used in the manufacture of lime.
The natives dive into the sea, sometimes several fathoms deep, in order to procure the solid or sponge-shaped coral, which for this purpose is better than the forked or branching kinds. They also prefer that which is attached to the main reef, and growing, or, as they sometimes call it, live coral, to that which is broken off and hardened or dead. The large fragments or blocks of coral, sometimes three or four feet in diameter, thus procured, are conveyed on rafts to the shore, where they are broken into small pieces. A capacious hole is then dug, wherein fuel in immense logs is piled up till it assumes:the appearance of a mound four or five feet high. On the outside of this, the pieces of coral are placed, twelve or eighteen inches thick. The pile is then kindled, the fuel consumed, and the lime, thus burnt, sinks down into the pit. They are generally so impatient to see whether it is well burnt, that they throw water upon it often before the fire is extinct;
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and if they find it crumble and become pulverized, they cover it over with cocoa-nut leaves, and use it as occasion requires.
The coral rock makes excellent lime, not., perhaps so strong as that made from- rock-limestone, but fine, beautifully white, and durable. It may be obtained in any quantity, but the labour of procuring the fuel necessary for preparing it on the present plan, is exceedingly irksome. Could they be induced to erect kilns, and burn it after the European manner, it might be furnished with great facility, and the fact of their being able to prepare with little trouble, lime from the coral rock, would encourage them in building comfortable houses.
Our friends in Raiatea were perhaps more urgent than ourselves, in their recommendation of improved dwellings. On our first visit to Raiatea, in January 1819, the servants of Tamatoa, the king of that island, were plastering a house for his residence: it was nearly finished; the outside was completed, and they were at work within. A day or two after our return to Hua-hine, we were delighted to see one in the district of Fare actually finished. It was smaller than Tamatoa's, and differently shaped, his being oval, and this being nearly square, with high gable-ends. It belonged to an ingenious and industrious young .man, whose name was Navenavehia, and who, although an inferior chief in Huahine, had accompanied Mahine to Eimeo, where he had resided in the family of Mr. George Bicknell, by whom he had been taught in some degree the use of tools, and the art of burning lime. It is not easy, nor is it material, to determine which of these two houses was finished first. They were certainly both
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in hand at the same time, and the periods of their completion were probably not very remote from each other. A new order of architecture was thus introduced to the nation, and the names of Tamatoa, king of Raiatea, and of Navenavehia, the more humble chief in Hua-hine, ought not to be forgotten, in connexion with the introduction of a style of building which has since prevailed so extensively among the people, greatly augmenting their social and domestic comforts, changing the appearance of their villages, and improving the beautiful scenery of their islands.
These two houses were not only the first in the Leeward group, but they were the first of the kind ever erected, for their own abode, by any of the natives of the South Sea Islands.
The success of these individuals encouraged others, although we found great difficulty .in persuading theni to persevere in the heavy labour this improvement required, particularly as they were now actively employed in the erection of a spacious chapel, and the frames of our dwellings. It was no easy task for them to build houses of this kind; there were no regular carpenters and masons. Every man had, in the first-place, to go to the woods or the mountains, and cut down trees for timber, trim them into posts, &c. and remove them to the spot where his house was to be built, then to erect the frame, with the doorway and windows^ This being done, he must again repair to the woods for long branches of hibiscus for rafters, with which he framed the roof.
The leaves of the pandanus were next gathered, and soaked, and sewed on reeds, with which the roof was thatched. This formerly would have completed his
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dwelling, but he now had to collect, with great labour, a large pile of firewood, to dig a pit, to dive into the sea for coral rock, to burn it, to mix it with sand so as to form mortar, wattle the walls and partitions of his house, and plaster them with lime. He then had to ascend the mountains again, to cut down trees, which he must either split or saw into boards for flooring his apartments, manufacturing doors, windows, shutters, &c. This was certainly a great addition of labour; and hence many occupy their cottages as soon as they have finished the roof, the walls, and the door—levelling the ground for the floor, and spreading grass over it^-occupying one part, while they board or plaster the other.
In this state we found Navenavehia's house, when we paid him our first visit. We recommended him to persevere in completing it, and, in order to encourage him, promised him a few nails to make doors, and whatever else was wanting. He assured us of his intention to board the floor, and partition off their bedroom 5 but said, he thought they might as well live in it while he was doing this, and therefore had occupied it as soon as the walls were dry.
The settlements in the Leeward Islands now began to assume an entirely new aspect. Multitudes flocked from the different districts, to attend the means of instruction in the school, and on the Sabbath. The erection of a house upon the improved plan, regulating its size by the rank or means of the family for whom it was designed, became a kind of test of sincerity in professions of desire to be instructed; for to embrace Christianity, with the precepts which it inculcated, nothing could be more at variance than the habits of indolence and unsightly filthiness of their former habitations.
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Activity was now the order of the day. Frames of buildings were seen rising with astonishing rapidity, in every part of the district; and houses of every size, from the lowly snug little cottage with a single door and window in front, to the large two-storied dwelling of the king or the chief. Buildings, in every stage of their progress, might be seen in a walk through the settlement: sometimes only a heap of spars and timber lay on the spot where the house was to be raised, but at other places the principal posts of the house were erected, others were thatched, and some partially or entirely enclosed with the beautiful white coral-lime plaster. Axes, hatchets, planes, chisels, gimlets, and saws, were, next to their books, the articles in greatest demand and highest esteem.
No small portion of our time was occupied in directing and encouraging them in their labours. We had, however, occasion to regret, that we were sometimes at as great a loss as the people themselves. They usually formed the walls of their dwellings, either by mortising upright posts into large trees laid on the earth, or planting the posts in the ground about three feet apart. The spaces between the posts, excepting those for doors or windows, were filled with a kind of hurdle-work, or wattling of small rods or sticks, of the tough casuarina. This they plastered with the mortar composed of coral-lime and sand, forming a plain surface, and covering also the posts on the outside, but leaving them projecting within.
The next object was to make the doors and window-shutters; thus far they had been able to proceed in the ereetion of their dwellings without nails; but to make doors and shutters without these, brought them fi. t
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at first to a stand. We were glad to furnish the chiefs and others with these most valuable articles, so far as our stock would allow, but it was useless to think of supplying the wants of the entire population 5 we only regretted that we could not have more ready access to our friends in England, many of whom, we had no doubt, would readily have supplied them with an article easily procured in abundance there, but which was here exceedingly scarce. Nails are still among the most valuable manufactures they can receive. Their invention and perseverance at length overcame the difficulty, and they constructed their doors by fastening together three upright boards, about six feet long, by means of three narrow pieces placed across, one at each end, the other in the middle. These latter were fastened to the long boards by strong wooden pegs. What the pegs wanted in strength, they determined to supply by numbers, and I think I have seen upwards of fifty or sixty hard pegs driven through one of these cross-pieces into the boards forming the door. In order to prevent their dropping out when the wood shrunk by the heat, they drove small wedges into the ends of the pegs, which frequently kept them secure. In the same manner they fastened most of their floors to the sleepers underneath, using, however, large pegs resembling the treenails in a ship's plank, more than the nails in a house-floor.
When the door was made, it was necessary to hang it; but only a few of the most highly favoured were, for many years, able to procure iron hinges. Some substituted tough pieces of fish-skin, pieces of the skin of other animals, or leather procured from the ships; but these soon broke, and many of the natives set to
POLYNESIAN AKSBARCHBS. ?b
work to make wooden hinges*: They were generally large, and, when attached to a light thin door, looked remarkably clumsy: but they were made with great industry and care, and the joints very neatly fitted. A man would sometimes be a fortnight in making a single pair of hinges* After all, they were easily broken, and made a most unpleasant noise every time the door was opened or shut.
In our walks through the native settlements, we were often amused at the state in which we found the houses occupied by their proprietors. Some appeared with only the walls on the outside plastered, others with both sides plastered; some having their doors and window-shutters fixed, others with a low fence only across the door-way; some with grass spread over the whole floor, while others had a portion boarded sufficiently large to contain their sleeping-mats at night* A few, whose dwellings were completely finished, inhabited them with all the conscious satisfaction attending the enjoyment of what had cost them long and persevering labour. All confessed that the new kind of houses were better than the old: that when the weather was warm, they could have as much air as was agreeable $ and when the night was cold and the wind high, or the rain drifting, they had not, as formerly, to rise and move their beds, or secure their clothing from wet, but could sleep on, sheltered from the influence of the elements without.
Tnis was the state of the settlement in Huahine when visited by Captain Gambier, of H. M. ship Dauntless, Captain Elliot, and other naval officers, whom I had the pleasure of meeting there. The account of the settlement given by the former, and the emotions excited in his own
76 POLYNESIAN RBSBAACHBS.
mind by his visit, are bo interesting, that I think it would be almost unjust to deprive the readers of these pages of the satisfaction his description is adapted to afford* In reference to Tahiti, and the change generally, Captain Gambier observes, w The testimony is a strong one; as I had never felt any interest in the labours of Missionaries, I was not only not prepossessed in favour of them, but I was in a measure suspicious of their reports. It will appear as clear as light to the spiritual mind, that the account of their state, and the gratification experienced in the contemplation of it, was altogether of a temporal nature; that the progress made towards civilization and earthly happiness, in consequence of the moral influence of Christianity, was the cause of that delight. The hand of a superintend* ing Providence is generally acknowledged, it is true, but it is so only with respect to the temporal state. So true it is, that the mind itself, untaught by the Divine Spirit, knows nothing of the awful and overwhelming importance of the eternal interests of the soul over the things of this short-lived scene.11 In reference to Hit*-hine, and the station now described, though not mete forward than others in the same group, Captain Gambier observes: "At about ten o'clock on the morning of the 20th of January, 182% the ship being hove-to outside the reef, a party of us proceeded towards the village of Fare. After passing the reef of coral which forms the harbour, astonishment and delight kept us silent for some moments, and was succeeded by a burst of unqualified approbation at the scene before vs. We were in an excellent harbour, upon whose shores industry and comfort were plainly perceptible; for, in every direction, white cottages, precisely English, were
POJLYNSSIAN RSSBASCHSS. fj
seen peeping from amongst the rich foliage, which every where clothes the lowland in these islands. Upon various little elevations, beyond these, were others, which gave extent and animation to the whole. The point on the left in going in, is low, and covered with wood, with several cottages along the share. * On the right, the high land of the interior slopes down with gentle gradual descent, and terminates in an elevated point, which juts out into the harbour, forming two little bays* The principal and largest is to the left, viewing them from seaward; in this, and extending op the valley, the village is situated. The other, which is small, has only a few houses—but so quiet, so retired, that it seems the abode of peace and perfect content. Industry nourishes here. The chiefs take a pride in building their own houses, which are now all after the European manner; and think meanly of themselves, if they do not excel the lower classes in the arts necessary for the construction. Their wives also surpass their inferiors in making cloth. The queen and her daughter-in-law, dressed in the English fashion, received us in their neat little cottage, f The furniture of her house was all made en the island, and by the natives, with a little instruction originally from the Missionaries. It consisted of sofas with backs and arms, with (cinet) bottoms, really very well constructed; tables and bedsteads by the same artificers. There were curtains to the windows, made of their white doth, with dark leaves stained upon it for a border, which gave a cheerful and comfortable air to the rooms. The
Thfc part of Fare Harbour it represented in tun plate, vol. L p> 144. See No. S. in the plate of "Eastern part of Fare Harbour/' page 7&
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bed-roms were up stairs, and were perfectly clean and neat. These comforts they prize exceedingly; and such is the desire for them, that a great many cottages, after the same plan, are rising up every where in the village.
" The sound of industry was music to my ears. Ham* mers, saws, and adzes were heard in every direction. Houses in frame met the eye in all parts, in different stages of forwardness. Many boats, after our manner, were building, and lime burning for cement and whitewashing.
"Upon walking through the village, we were very much pleased to see that a nice, dry, elevated foot-path or causeway ran through it, which must add to their comfort in wet weather, when going to prayers in their European dresses. As we stopped occasionally to speak to some of the natives standing near their huts, we had frequent opportunities of observing the value they set upon the comforts of our English style of cottage, and other things introduced among them of late. They said they were ashamed to invite us into their huts, but that their other house was building, and then they would be happy to see us there.
" Afterwards I walked out to the point forming the division between the two bays. When I had reached it, I sat down to enjoy the sensations created by the lovely scene before me. I cannot describe it; but it possessed charms independent of the beautiful scenery and rich, vegetation. The blessings of Christianity were diffused amongst the fine people who inhabited it j a taste for industrious employment had taken deep root; a praiseworthy emulation to excel in the arts which contribute to their welfare and comfort, had seized upon all, and,
?1
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in consequence, civilization was advancing with wonderfully rapid strides."
The point referred to by Captain Gambier, is situated at a short distance to the right of the view of Fare, as given in the annexed plate engraved from a sketch taken on the spot by Captain Elliot. It is a delightful spot, and affords an extensive view of the unruffled waters of the hay, and the infant settlement rising on its shores. The figures along the bottom refer to the following buildings: No. 1. The chapel; 2. The residence of Mahfae, the chief of the island,—this was the first house with an upper room which the natives erected. No. 3. is placed beneath the schools. 4. Marks the site where our dwelling stood, and that of my coadjutor, Mr. Barff i both these were erected at some distance from the shore, and stood on an elevation at the foot of the mountains forming the boundary of the valley.
Although we always urged the completion of their houses as soon as they could, we were often highly interested in visiting their partially finished dwellings. There: is something peculiarly pleasing in watching the process which periodically changes the face of the natural world. The swelling bud—the opening blossom—the expanding leaves—the tiny fruit-formations, as they regularly pass under the eye of the observer, are not less interesting than the bough bending with full-ripe fruit. The process which effects the changes marking the progress from birth to maturity in the animal creation, is not less curious; and at this time we beheld a work advancing which was rapidly transforming the character and habits of a nation, and materially altering even the aspect of the habitable portions of their country. This gave a peculiar interest to the nondescript sort of
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dwelling, half native hut, and half European cottage, which many of the people at this time inhabited. They marked the steps, and developed the process, by which they were rising from the rude and cheerless degradation of the one, to the elevation and enjoyment of the other. These sensations were often heightened by our beholding in the neighbourhood of these half-finished houses, the lonely and comfortless hut they had abandoned, and the neatly finished cottage in which the inmates enjoyed a degree of comfort, that, to use their own powerful expression, made them sometimes ready to doubt whether they were the same people who had been contented to inhabit their former dwellings, surrounded by pigs and dogs, and swarms of vermin, while the wind blew over them, and the rain beat upon them*
The greater number of houses, already erected, contain only two or three rooms on one floor, but several of the chiefs have built spacious, and, considering the materials with which they are constructed, substantial habitations, with two stories, and a number of rooms in each, having also some of the windows glazed. Mahine, the king of Hoahine, was, we believe, the first native of the South Sea Islands, who finished a house with upper rooms. When done, it was quite a curiosity, or occasion of wonder, among the natives of the Leeward Islands, and multitudes came on purpose to see it.. It was built with care, and, considering it as a specimen of native workmanship, was highly creditable to their industry, perseverance, and ingenuity. Many of the natives, especially those who have been native house-builders, are tolerably good carpenters, and handle tools with facility. They have also been taught to saw
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trees into a number of boards, instead of splitting them into two planks, which was their former practice.
The stone in the northern parts of the island is a kind of compact ancient lava, and, though rather hard, is, we think, adapted for buildings. We were desirous to induce some of the chiefs to attempt the erection of a stone house; but they had no proper tools for preparing the stone, and the labour was also greater than in their present state of civilization they were disposed to undertake. It is not, however, improbable that stone buildings will ultimately supersede the neat, yet, compared with those erected of less perishable materials, temporary dwellings they are now occupying. The coral rock is also more durable than the plaster; and although soft, and easily hewn when first taken out of the sea, it afterwards assumes a degree of hardness which resists the weather for a long series of years. A chapel has been built with this material in the island of Eimeo, and will probably last longer than any yet erected.
When we arrived in Eimeo, Messrs. Hayward and Bicknell were residing in boarded dwellings with chambers, and Mr. Nott, in a house, the walls of which were neatly plastered. The earth in some parts of the islands would probably answer for bricks 5 and the Missionaries formerly made one or two attempts to prepare them for ovens, &c. but did not succeed. Individuals professing to understand making bricks have once or twice offered to teach the natives; but much as we have wished to possess permanent brick houses for ourselves, or to recommend the natives to prepare such, we are convinced that the labour would be too great, and the failures in burning them too frequent, to allow at present of their being made with advantage,—yet we hope they will follow the
II. M
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plastered cottage, as that now occupies die place of the native hut.
The timber principally employed in their buildings, is the wood of the bread-fruit j and although they are careful of this valuable tree, it is necessary frequently to urge the duty'of planting, in order to ensure a future supply not only .of timber but of food, as the large trees are now comparatively few, and the population 1s evidently increasing.
In the commencement of a new settlement, or the establishment of a town, like that rising around us at the head of Fare harbour, we were desirous that it should assume something like a regular form, as it regarded the public buildings and habitations of the chiefs and people. We repeatedly advised the chiefs and others to build their houses and form their public toads in straight lines, and to leave regular and equal 'distances between the roads and the houses, and also between their respective dwellings. Our endeavours, however, were unavailing. They could perceive nothing that was either desirable or advantageous In a straight road, or regularity in the site, ahd'unifbrmity in 'the size or shape, of their dwellings. Every one, therefore, followed his own inclinations. The size of the building was regulated by the number in the family, the rank or the means of its proprietor, and the shape by his fancy. It was oblong or square, with high gable, or circular ends covered with thatch, So that the building resembled an oval more than any other shape.
The situations selected Were either parts of their oWn ground, or such places as accorded with their taste arid habits. Those who Were frequently upon the waters, and enjoyed the gentle sea-breezes, or wished to excel their neighbours, built a massy pier or causeway in the
FOLYMKSJAN RJBSXARCHVS.
88
sea, and, raising it four or five feet above high-water mark, covered it with smooth fiat stones, and then erected their houses upon the spot they had thus recovered from the sea, by which it was on three sides surrounded* The labour required for effecting this, prevented any but chiefs from building in such situations. Others, actually building upon the sand, erected their dwelling upon the upper edge of the beach, within lour or five yards of the rising tick
The public road, from six to twelve feet wide, which led through, the district, extending in a line parallel with the coast, presented all its curvatures. Some of the natives built their houses facing the sea; others, turning their fronts towards the mountain, reared them within five or six feet of the road; while several, of a more retiring disposition, built in the centre of their plantation^ or under the embowering shade of a grove of bread-fruit trees, enclosing them within the fence that surrounded their dwelling. Some of the leading chiefs, in order to enjoy a more extensive prospect, and to breathe a purer atmosphere, left the humidity and shade of the lowland and the valley, and built their houses on the sides of the verdant hills that, rise immediately behind the bay* and form the connecting link between the rocks around the beach and the high mountains of the interior.
A settlement thus formed could never possess any approximation to uniformity; and although we had endeavoured to persuade the people to render it more regular, yet it often seemed as if the variety in size and shape among the buildings, and . the irregularity of their situation, was in perfect keeping with the wild, entrained luxuriant loveliness, and romantic appearance,
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of the rocks, the hills, the mountains, the valleys, and every natural object by which the rising settlement was surrounded. The chiefs vied with each other in the size, elevation, or conveniences of their houses; some being, like Pohuetea's and Teriitaria's, built upon a pier in the sea; others preparing to attach verandas, by which they could remain cool under a meridian sun; others erected rude covered balconies, in which they might enjoy a more extended prospect, be shaded from the sun, and breathe purer air. The rustic palm-leaf thatch, and beautifully white plastered walls, of all the buildings, whether standing on the sea-beach, on the mountain's side, embowered under the bread-fruit and cocoa-nut grove, or situated in the midst of their plantations, with a walk strewed with fragments of coral and shells leading from the road to the door, appeared in delightful contrast with the thick dark foliage of the trees, the perpetual luxuriance of vegetation, and the variegated blossoms of the native flowers.
The duration of the buildings was in general according to the nature of the thatch; the same house frequently received two or three new roofs,.and if the frame was well put together, and the timber seasoned, a plastered cottage would probably last ten or fifteen years. Many, however, from the rude and hurried manner in which they were built, became dilapidated in a much shorter period.
While individuals and families were thus engaged in the erection of their domestic habitations, the people of the island were occupied in raising a spacious and substantial chapel. They commenced it in the beginning of 1819, and completed it early in the following year. It was ope hundred feet long, and sixty wide.
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85
The sides were fourteen or sixteen feet high, and the centre not less than thirty. The walls were plastered within and without. The roof was covered with pan-danus leaves, the windows closed with sliding shutters, and the doors hung with iron hinges of native workmanship. Altogether, the building was finished in a manner highly creditable to their public spirit, skill, and persevering industry. All classes cheerfully united in the work, and the king of the island—assisted by his only son, a youth about seventeen years of age— might be seen every day directing and encouraging those employed in the different parts of the building, or working themselves with the plane or the chisel, in the midst of their chiefs and subjects.
The interior of the roof was remarkable for the neatness of its appearance, and the ingenuity of its structure. The long rafters, formed with slender cocoa-nut, casuarina, or hibiscus trees, were perfectly straight, and polished at the upper end. The lower extremities were ornamented with finely-woven variegated matting, or curiously braided cord, stained with brilliant red or black and yellow native colours, ingeniously wound round the polished wood, exhibiting a singularly neat and chequered appearance. The ornament on the rafter terminated in a graceful fringe or bunch of tassels.
The pulpit, situated at a short distance from the. northern end, was hexagonal, and supported by six pillars of the beautiful wood of the pua, besiaria lauri-folia of Parkinson, which resembles, in its grain and colour, the finest satin-wood. The pannels were of rich yellow bread-fruit, and the frame of mero, thespesia populnea, a beautiful fine-grained, dark, chestnut-coloured
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wood. The stairs, reading-desk, and communion table, were all of deep umber-coloused bread-fruit; and the whole, aa a specimen of workmanship, was such as the native carpenters were not ashamed of. The floor was boarded with thick sawn planks, or split trees; and, although it exhibited great variety of. timber and skill, was by no means contemptible.
According to ancient usage in the erection of public buildings, the work bad been divided among the different chiefs of the island*) these had apportioned their respective allotments among their peasantry or dependants, and thus each party had distinct portions of the wall, the roof, and the floor. The numbers employed rendered these allotments but small, seldom more than three or six feet in length, devolving on one or two families, litis, when. Qniafeed, they considered their own part oi the chapel; aMnear the part of the wall they had built, and the side of toe roof they had thatched, they usually fitted up their sittings. The principal chiefs, however* fixed their seats around the pulpit, that they might have every facility o! bearing.
Uniformity was as deficient in the sittings of the chapel, aa in the houses of the town, each tastily fitting up their own according to their inclination or ability. For a considerable extent around the pulpit, the seats were in the form of low boarded pews neatly finished OsbM them appeared a kind Qf open, or trellis-work line of pews, which were followed bv several tows of benches with back** and, still more remote from the pulpit, what might he called free or unappropriated sittings, were solid benches, or forms, without spy support; for the back or arms.
The colour and the kind of wood, used in the interior,
POLYNESIAN RB8KARCHSS. 8/
was as diversified as the forms in which it was employed; it was, nevertheless, only when empty, that its irregularity and grotesque variety appeared. When well filled with respectably dressed and attentive worshippers, as it generally was on :the ^Sabbath, the difference in the material or structure of the places they occupied, was not easily noticed.
A remarkably ingenions mhd durable low fence, called by the' natives <mmoay was erected round it, and the area within the eneftoeure was •covered with small fragments of white branching coral, called anaana, and found on the northern shores of the bay.
in the month of April, 1820, it was finished, and on the 3d of May I Had the pleasure of opening it for Divine service. t
A distressing epidemic had raged-for some time among the people, and still confined many to their habitations, yet there were not fewer than fifteen hundred present. Many of them were rarirayed in light European dresses, and all evidently appeared to feel a high degree of satisfaction-in assembling for the public adoration of the Almighty in a building, in many respects an object of astonishment through the island, and which their own toil and perseverance had enabled them to finish.
Individuals in England, who have materially contributed by personal exertions or pecuniary aid to the erection or enlargement of a ehurch 'or chapel, have, when the object of their solicitude and their toil has been accomplished, experienced emotions of satisfaction during the subsequent opportunities they have had of rendering divine homage there; but the satisfaction of the Tahjtiftns, though the same in kind, I am disposed to believe is stronger in degree, when standing on the floor,
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the trees constituting which, they cut down in the forest— when skreened from the wind by that portion of the wall their own hands reared—and covered by that section of the roof which they had thatched.
While the inhabitants of Huahine were thus laudably engaged in providing the means of increasing their domestic enjoyments, and accommodating the assemblies for public worship; their neighbours in the adjacent island of Raiatea were not behind them in the rapidity of their improvement. They had erected a number of dwelling-houses, and a building for divine service, larger than that at Huahine, but inferior in elevation and breadth; being forty-two feet wide, and at the sides about ten feet high. It was finished a week or two earlier than the chapel in Huahine, and was opened on the 1 lth of April in the same year; when upwards of 2400 inhabitants of that and the adjacent islands assembled within its walls.
To the natives of Raiatea, this work of their own hands appeared a wonderful specimen of architecture; and the manner in which its interior was finished perfectly astonished them, and appeared no less surprising to the natives of the other islands. It was not only furnished with a pulpit, a desk, a boarded floor throughout, constructed of the tough planks of the reva, or (galaxa sparta,) and filled with pews and seats, but, by the invention and ingenuity of the Missionaries, it was subsequently furnished with a rustic set of chandeliers.
By this contrivance it could be lighted up for an evening congregation, while we were under the necessity of concluding all our public services before the sun departed. These chandeliers, as they may perhaps with propriety be called, were not indeed of curious workmanship or dazzling brilliancy, in polished metal or cut-
fOLYNBSIAN RB8BABCHBS. 89
glass, but of far more common materials, and rude simplicity of structure. The frame was of light tough wood, and the lamps, instead of being coloured and transparent, were opaque cocoa-nut shells. They were, however, the only inventions of the kind the natives had ever seen; and on the night when the chapel was first illuminated by their aid, as they came in one after another, and saw the glare of such a number of lights suspended from the roof in a manner that they could not at first understand, they involuntarily stopped to gaze as they entered the door, and few proceeded to their seats without an exclamation of admiration or surprise. Their astonishment was probably greater than would be experienced by an English peasant from a retired village, on beholding, for the first time, a spacious public building splendidly lighted up with gaa.
Although we were pleased with the effect produced on the minds of the natives, and a thousand delightful associations reviving in our bosoms the first time we mingled with a crowded evening congregation, we did not recommend our people to follow the example their ingenious neighbours had set them. It appeared more desirable, in the partially organised state of society then prevailing in the islands, to conclude all our public meetings by daylight* Talker than call the people km home after sunset
ii.
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CHAP. IV.
Schools ended in Huahine—Historical facts connected with the site of the former building—Account of Mai, (Omai)—His visit to England with Captain Furneux—Society to which he was introduced—Objects of his attention—Granville Sharp—His return with Captain Cook— Settlement in Huahine—His subsequent conduct—Present proprietors of the Beritani in Huahine—House for hidden prayer—Cowper's lines on Omai—Royal Mission Chapel in Tahiti—Its dimensions, furniture, and appearance—Motives of the king in its erection—Description of native chapels—Need of clocks and bells—Means resorted to for supplying their deficiency—Attendance on public worship—Habits of cleanliness—Manner of wearing the hair—Process of shaving—Artificial flowers—Native toilet
As soon as the new building in Huahine was finished, and appropriated to the sacred use for which it had been reared, the original chapel was converted into a school, and was scarcely sufficient to accommodate the increasing number of scholars.
Two new places, upon the same plan as the chapel, and built with similar materials, were afterwards erected one for the boys' school, and the other for the girls'; these, when finished, greatly facilitated the instruction of the people—the accommodation they afforded, encouraging those to attend who had before been deterred.
The spot on which the old chapel and subsequent school had been erected, was connected with an important event in the modern history, not only of Huahine,
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but the several adjacent clusters of islands. In September, 1773, when Captains Cook and Furneux left Huahine, the latter was accompanied by a native, who had intimated his desire to proceed in the ship on a visit to Britain. He was a Raiatean; who, after a defeat which his countrymen had sustained in an engagement with the daring and warlike. natives of Borabora, had taken shelter in Huahine. His inducement to undertake a voyage, of the incidents and exposures of which he could form no idea, does not appear, to have resulted so much from a wish to gratify a restless and ardent curiosity, as from the desire to obtain the means of avenging his country, and regaining the hereditary possessions of his family, which were now occupied by the victors.
The name of this individual was Jfot, usually called Omat, from the circumstance of the o being prefixed in the native language to nouns in the nominative case. Mai is the name of the present king of 'Borabora, though I am not certain of his having descended from the same family. The Mai who accompanied Captain Furneux does not appear to have been connected by birth or rank with the regal or sacerdotal class, although, among other accounts circulated respecting him while in England, it was stated that he was a priest of the sun, an office and title unknown in his native islands. He 'represented. himself as a Koa> friend or attendant, on the king. In . person he was tall and thin, easy and engaging in his manners, and polite in his address; but in symmetry of form, expression of countenance, general outline of feature, and darkness of complexion, inferior to the majority of his countrymen. His conversation was said to be lively and facetious. He reached England when the interest of Captain Cook's
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first voyage, and the deep impression produced by bis discoveries, were still vivid and universal, and anticipa* tion was raised to the highest pitch, in reference to the developments expected from his second visit to that distant part of the world. Mai being the first native of the islands of the South Sea, brought to Eng-land, produced an excitement as unprecedented, in connexion with an untutored islander, as it was power** fill and extensive, even in the most polished circles of society. Mai, on his arrival in London, was considered a sort of prodigy; he was introduced to the most fashionable parties, conducted to the splendid entertainments of the highest classes, and presented at the British court amidst a brilliant assemblage of all that was illustrious in rank, and dignified in station. The Tahitians in general are good imitators of others; this talent he possessed in an eminent degree, and adopted that polite, elegant, and unembarrassed address, whereby the class with which he associated has ever been distinguished. Naturally quick in his perceptions, and lively in his conversation, although the structure and idiom of his own language effectually prevented his speaking English with ease or fluency, he was soon able to make himself understood; and the embarrassment he occasionally felt, in giving utterance to his thoughts, perhaps added to the interest of those who were watching the effect which every object in a world so new to him must naturally occasion.
Every place of public amusement, and every exhibition adapted to administer pleasure, was repeatedly visited; and the multiplicity of spectacles thus presented in rapid succession, kept his mind in a state of perpetual excitement and surprise. The impression
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made by one object, was obliterated by the exhibition of some new wonder, which prevented his paying particular regard to any. TTiis constant variety deprived him of all useful knowledge, and excluded his attention to the important subjects that demanded his notice while residing in the metropolis of Britain. A most favourable opportunity was afforded for his acquiring that knowledge of our agriculture, arts, and manuf ac~ tares, our civil and religious institutions, which would have enabled him to introduce the most salutary improvements among his countrymen. Thus he might have become a father to his nation j and his visit to England might have been rendered a blessing to its latest generations. But, as Forster, who accompanied him on his return, laments, " no friendly Mentor ever attempted to cherish and to gratify this wish, much less to improve his moral character, to teach him our exalted ideas of virtue, and the sublime principles of revealed religion/' To the censure thus passed upon those, under whose care he spent the period of his residence in England, one exception at least must be made, and that in favour of a name that will ever be dear to every friend of humanity. Granville Sharp became acquainted with Mai, taught him the first principles of writing, and, so far as his knowledge of our language allowed, endeavoured to pour the light of divine truth into his ignorant and untutored mind. He made such progress in the use of letters, that on his voyage to the South Seas, while staying at the Cape of Good Hope, he wrote a letter to his friend Dr. Solander.
During the two years he spent in this country, he was inoculated for the small-pox, from which he happily recovered 5 and, loaded with presents profusely furnished
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by his friends, he embarked for his native island at Plymouth, in the summer of 1776. He accompanied Captain Cook in the visits he made to New Zealand, the Friendly Islands, and Tahiti, and, after an absence of rather more than four years, returned to Huahine on the twelfth of October, 1777-
In this island Captain Cook judged it most prudent to establish his fellow-voyager, and consequently solicited for him a grant of land from the chiefs. It was readily furnished, and a spot marked out, measuring about two hundred yards, along the sea-shore, and extending from the beach to the mountain. Here a garden was enclosed, and many valuable seeds and roots, which had been brought from England or the Cape of Good Hope, were planted. The carpenters of the vessels erected for him a house in the European style, and on the 26th of October, the presents with which he had been so liberally supplied, were landed, and he took possession of his dwelling. In addition to the seeds and plants, a breed of horses, goats, and other useful animals, were landed; but the greater part of the presents was comparatively useless, and many were bartered to the sailors for hatchets or iron tools. It does not appear that there was any implement. of husbandry, or useful tool, included in the catalogue of his presents, though he landed with a coat of mail, a suit of armour, musket, pistols, cartouch-box, cutlasses, powder, and ball! Besides these, however, he was furnished with a portable organ, an electrical machine, fire-works, and numerous trinkets.
The estimate Captain Cook formed of his character was correct: he appeared to have derived no permanent advantage from the voyage he had made, the attention
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he had received, or the civilized society with which he had been associated. He soon threw off his European dress, and adopted the costume, uncivilized manners, and indolent life, of his countrymen. Weakness and vanity, together with savage pride, appear to have been the most conspicuous traits of character he developed in subsequent life.
The horses, included among his presents, appear to have been regarded by Mai as mere objects of curiosity, and were occasionally ridden, in order to inspire terror or excite admiration in the minds of the inhabitants. His implements of war, and especially the fire-arms, rendered his aid and co-operation a desideratum with the king of the island, who, in order more effectually to secure the advantage of his influence and arms, gave him one of his daughters in marriage, and honoured him with the name of Paari, (wise or instructed,) by which name he is now always spoken of among the natives; several of whom still remember him. He appears to have passed the remainder of his life in inglorious indolence or wanton. crime, to have become the mere instrument of the caprice or cruelty of the king of the island, who not only availed himself of the effects of his fire-arms in periods of war, but frequently, ordered him to shoot at a man at a certain distance, to see how far the musket would do execution; or to despatch with his pistol, in the presence of the king, the ill-fated objects of his deadly anger.
Tne majority of those whom I have heard speak of him, have mentioned his name with execration rather than respect; and though some of the chiefs speak of him as a man who had seen much of the world, and
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possessed, according to their ideas, an amazing mass of information, his memory is certainly but lightly esteemed by any of his countrymen. He does not, however, seem to have evinced, either on board the vessels in which he sailed, or among the company with which he mingled while in England, any latent malignity of character or cruelty of disposition, and might perhaps have returned with very different sentiments and principles, had he fallen into other hands daring his visit here.
The spot where Mai's house stood is still called Beritani,* or Britain, by the inhabitants of Huahine* A shaddock tree, which the natives say was planted by Captain Cook himself while the vessels lay at anchor, is still growing on a spot which was once part of his garden. The animals, with the exception of the dogs and pigs, have all died; and in this instance, the benevolent Intentions of the British government, in sending Out horses, cattle, &c. proved abortive. The helmet, and some oilier parts of his armour, with several cutlasses, are still preserved, and displayed oh the sides of the house now standing on the spot where Mai's dwelling was erected by Captain Cook. A few of the trinkets, such as a jack-in-a-box, a kind of serpent that darts out of a cylindrical case when the lid is removed, are preserved with care by one of the principal chien, who at the time of our arrival considered them great curiosities, and exhibited them, as a mark of his condescension, to particular favourites. What became of the organ and electrical machine, I never knew* Among the curiosities preserved by the young chief of Tahaa,
* See No. 1, In the Ettgrtritg, -vol. I, p. 414.
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there was an article that I was very glad to see; it was a large quarto English Bible, with numerous coloured engravings, which were the only objects of attraction with the natives. I was told it belonged to Paari, or Mai, and hope it was given him among the presents from England, although no mention whatever is made of a Bible, or any other book, among the various articles enumerated by those who conveyed him to his native shores.
Within the limits of the grant made to Captain Cook for his friend Mai, some of the Missionaries, who in 1809 took shelter in Huahine, after their expulsion from Tahiti in 1806, erected their temporary habitations. A few yards distant from the spot in which Mai's house stood, and immediately in front of the dark and glossy-leaved shaddock-tree planted by Captain Cook, the first building for the worship of Jehovah was erected; and on the same spot, the first school in Huahine was opened, in which the use of letters, and the principles of religion, were inculcated.
Nearly in front of the site of Mai's dwelling now stands the residence of Pohuetea and Teraimano, to whom by right of patrimony Beritani belongs. It was, when I was last there, in 1824, one of the most neat, substantial, and convenient modern houses in the settlement, containing two stories, and eight apartments. The district around, which when we arrived was altogether uncultivated, and overrun with brushwood growing in wild luxuriance, has been cleared; the garden has been again enclosed, and planted with all that is useful in the vegetable productions of tropical regions. It is cultivated by its proprietors, who, there is reason to hope, are decided Christians. They erected, within
II. . O
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the precincts of their garden, a beautiful but rustic little summer-house or cottage, which they call a fare bure hima, or house lor hidden, prayer. I one day visited tfcis garden, a lew weeks after it had been en-closed* and stocked with the most valuable indigenous plants of the islands. Towering above the plantains, papaws, &c. the shaddock planted by Captain Cook appeared, like an inhabitant of another country, in solitary exile; for though the climate is similar in point of temperature to that in which it is accustomed to thrive, its shoots are not long and igorous, its leaves are not so clear, dark, and glossy as those of the other plants, and the fruit, though large and abundant, falls prematurely to the ground.
After wandering some time among the clustering sugarcane, rows of pine-apples, plantains, and bananas, I approached this house for private devotion. A narrow path covered with sand and anaana, or branches of coral, led to the entrance. An elegant hibiscus spread its branches over the cottage, and threw its embowering shade on its rude and lowly roof* A native palm-leaf mat covered the earthen floor,—a rustic seat, a table standing by a little open window, with a portion of the Scripture, and a hymn-book in the native language, constituted its only furniture. The stillness of every thing around, the secluded retirement of the spot, and the diversified objects of nature with which it, was associated, seemed delightfully adapted to contemplation and devotion. The scene was one of diversified beauty, and the only sounds were those occasioned by the rustling among the sugarcanes, or the luxuriant and broad-leaved plantains, while the passing breezes swept gently through them.
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I naturally inferred that the house was appropriated to purposes of secret devotion; and meeting its proprietor, I asked its use. He informed me that it was devoted to that object, and spoke with apparent satisfaction of the happiness he enjoyed in the retirement it afforded.
The erection of their dwelling, culture of their garden* building the house for hidden prayer, &c. (the labours of the present proprietors of Beritani,) are very different from tiie erection of a boarded house merely as a fortress, in which are deposited, as the most valued treasures of its inhabitant, arms and ammunition. It does not appear that Mai's house was designed as a model by which the natives were to be encouraged to build their own, but a place of security for the property, which he was recommended to enclose with a spacious native building: and the pursuits of its present occupants are in delightful contrast with the childish exhibition of fireworks, or the display of those trinkets, by which it was endeavoured to impress the minds of the natives with ideas of English superiority over untutored barbarians. The events which have since transpired were but little anticipated by the distinguished navigator, who conducted this simple-hearted native from one end of the globe to the other, spared no pains to promote his welfare and comfort, and who, although mistaken in the means he employed, undoubtedly aimed at the prosperity of the interesting people whom he had introduced to the notice of the civilized world.
Visiting almost daily the spot, and living in habits of intercourse with the successors of Ma?, I have been often led to compare the views and circumstances of
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the present inhabitants of Beritani with those of the resident originally left there by its discoverer; and in connexion with the circumstances of Mai after his return to his native islands, the following beautiful and pathetic lines have often occurred to my mind; and though perused on the spot with sensations probably unfclt elsewhere, I have nevertheless supposed, that could the poet have foreseen what has since taken place, not only in this island, but throughout the group—or had he lived in the present day—he would never, in anticipation of their abandonment so soon after their discovery, have recorded such mournful anticipations.
" But far beyond the rest, and with most cause,
Thee, gentle Mirage,* whom no love of thee
Or thine, but cariosity perhaps,
Or else rain-glory, prompted as to draw
Forth from thy native bowers, to shew thee here
With what superior skill we can abuse
The gifts of Providence, and squander life.
The dream is past And thou hast found again
Thy cocoas and bananas, palms and yams,
And homestall thatched with leaves. Bat hast thou found
Their former charms ? And having seen our state,
Our palaces, our ladies, and our pomp
Of equipage, our gardens, and our sports,
And heard our music; are thy simple friends,
Thy simple fare, and all thy plain delights,
As dear to thee as once t And hare thy joys
Lost nothing by comparison with oura t
Rude as thou art, (for we returned thee rude
And ignorant, except of outward show,)
I cannot think thee yet so dull of heart
And spiritless, as never to regret
Sweets tasted here, and left as soon as known.
Methinks I see thee straying on the beach,
And asking of the surge that bathes thy foot,
•Omai
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If ever it has wash'd oar distant shore. Thus fancy paints thee, and though apt to err, Perhaps errs little when she paints thee thus. She tells me too, that duly ev'ry morn Thou climb'st the mountain-top, with eager eye Exploring far and wide the watfry waste For sight of ship from England. Ev'ry speck Seen in the dim horizon, tarns thee pale With conflict of contending hopes and fears, But comes at last the dull and dusky eve, And sends thee to thy cabin, well prepar'd To dream all night of what the day denied. Alas! expect it not We found no bait To tempt us in thy country. Doing good, Disinterested good, is not our trade. We trarel far, 'tis true, but not for nought; And must be brib'd to compass earth again By other hopes, and richer fruits, than yours."
In the visit of Mai, the experiment, in reference to the effect of refinement, civilization, and philosophy upon the ignorant and uncivilized, was tried under circumstances the most favourable for producing sympathy in one party, and impression on the other:—the result was most affecting. The individual who had been brought from the ends of the earth, and shewn whatever England could furnish, adapted to impress his wondering mind, returned, and became as rude and indolent a barbarian as before. With one solitary exception, the humanizing and elevating principles of the Bible had never been presented to his notice, and he appeared to have derived no benefit from his voyage. Well might the poet lament his fate. But the ship Duff had not sailed, and the spirit of Missionary enterprise was not aroused in the British churches. Institutions,. the ornament and the glory of our country, had not arisen. The schoolmaster was not abroad in the earth,
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and, proceeding onward with the tide of commerce that rolled round the world, the progress of discovery and science penetrating every remote, inhospitable section of our globe; the Bible and the Missionary had not been sent. Had Cowper witnessed these operations of Christian benevolence, how he would have cheered, with his own numbers, those who had gone out from Britain, and other lands, not only to civilize, but to attempt the moral renovation of the heathen world.
The regularly framed and plastered chapels in Huahine and Raiatea were of the first kind in the Leeward or Windward Islands; they were not, however, the only large buildings erected for public worship. Pomare had, ever since our arrival, been engaged in preparing materials, and erecting a chapel, at Papaoa, by far the largest ever built in the islands; it had been opened twelve months before those in the Leeward Islands wore finished.
This building, which is called the Royal Mission Chapel, is certainly, when we consider the imperfect skill of the artificers, the rude nature of their tools, the amazing quantity of materials used, and the manner in which its workmanship is completed, an astonishing structure. It is seven hundred and twelve feet ill length, and fifty-four wide. Thirty-six massy cylindrical pillars of the bread-fruit tree sustain the centre of the roof, and two hundred and eighty smaller ones> of the same material, support the wall-plate along the sides, and around the circular ends, of the building. The sides or walls around are composed of planks of the breadfruit tree, fixed perpendicularly in square sleepers. The whole, either smoothed with a carpenter's plane, or polished, according to the practice of the natives, by
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rubbing the timber wkh smooth coral and sand. One hundred and thirty-three window* or apertures, furnished with sliding shutters, admit both light and air, and twenty-nine doors afford ingress and egress to the congregation* The building waa eorered with the leaves of the pandairas, enclosed with a strong and neat, low otnmw, or boarded fence; and the area within the enclosure was filled with basaltic pebbles* of broken coral. The roof was too low,, and the width and elevation of the building too dispropoitkmed to its length, to allow of Us appearing either stupendous or magnificent.
The interior of this spacious structure was at once singular: and striking. The bottom was covered in the native fashion with long grass, and, with the exception of si small space around each pulpit, was filled with plain, but substantial forms or benches. The rafters were bound with curiously-braided cord, coloured in native dyes, or covered nearly to the top of the roof with finely-woven matting, made of the white bark of the pnrau, or hibiscus, and often presenting a chequered mixture o£ opposite colours, by no means unpleasing to the eye. The end of the matting usually hung down from the upper part of the rafter three, six, or nine feet> and terminated in a fine broad fringe or border.
The most singular circumstance, however, connected with the interior of the Royal Mission Chapel, is the number of pulpits. There are no fewer than three. They are nearly two hundred and sixty feet apart, but without any partition between. The east and west pulpits are about a hundred feet from the correspond* ing extremities of the chapel. They are substantially built, and though destitute of any thing very elegant
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in shape or execution, answer exceedingly well the pur* pose for which they were erected.
This immense building was opened for divine service on the 11th of May, 1819, when the encampment of the multitudes assembled stretched along the sea-beach, on both sides of the chapel, to the extent of four miles. On this occasion, three distinct sermons, from different, texts, were preached at the same time, to three distinct congregations. Each audience, consisted of upwards of two thousand hearers, assembled round the respective pulpits within the same building. The king and principal chiefs appeared at the east, which, contrary to the order observed in their antipodes, is considered the court end. The whole number of hearers, according to the nearest calculation, was about seven thousand; and, notwithstanding this number assembled, a space remained between the different congregations.
I have occasionally preached in the Royal Mission chapel, but never when any other person besides was engaged; consequently, I cannot say what effect is produced on the ear by the delivery of more than one discourse at the same time. In the account the Missionaries give of its opening, they say, the pulpits being at so great a distance from each other, no confusion ensued from the speakers preaching at once in the same house. To an individual who could have stood at one end of the building, a little above the assembly, and directed his glance to the other—the three pulpits and preachers-— the seven thousand hearers assembled around in all the variety, and form, and colour of their different cob-tume—must have presented an imposing and interesting spectacle.
Although divested of every thing like stateliness or
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grandeur, the tort visit I paid to the chapel left a strong impression on iny mind. I entered from the west; and tile perspective of a vista, extending upwards of seven hundred feet, partially illuminated by the bright glow of strong noofe*d*y light entering through the windows, which were opened at distant intervals, along the lengthened fine of pillars that supported the rafters-^the dean rustic appearance of the grass-spread floor-~4he un*. fortuity of the simple and rude forms extending though-out the whole building—*he pulpits raised above them ^heightened the effect of the perspective. Besides these* the singular* novel, light* waving, and not inelegant adornments of the roof, all combined to increase the effect. Hie reflections also associated with the purpose for which it had been erected, and the recent events in the history of the people, whose irst national Christian temple we were visiting, awakened a train of solemn and grateful emotions. How it might be when the house was filled, I do not know; but when empty, the human voice could be distinctly heard from one end to the other, without any great effort on the part of those who at this distance called or answered.
A long aisle or passage, between the fonts* extends from one end to the other. In Walking along this aisle on my first visit, I was surprised to see a watercourse fat at six feet wide, crossing, in an oblique direction, the floor of the chapel. On inquiry of the people who accompanied our party, they said it was a natural watercourse from the mountains to the sea; and that, as they could not divert its Channel so as to avoid the building without great additional labour, and constant apprehension of its returning, they had judged k best to make a grating at each side under the wall, and allow it to ii. p
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pass in its accustomed channel. As it was not during the rainy season that we were there, it was dry; the sides were walled, and the bottom neatly paved; but in the rainy season, when the water is constantly .flowing through, its effect must be rather singular on the minds of those sitting near it during public worship.
One end of the building was used by the inhabitants for divine service every Sabbath; the other parts are only occupied at the annual. meetings of the Tahi-tian Missionary Society, or on similar occasions, when large national assemblies are convened. In 1822, when I last visited it, the roof had already begun to decay. The labour of keeping so large a place in repair, would be very great; and the occasions for its use so seldom occur, that, no repairs have been made since the king's death; and the exposure being constant, it will not probably last many years longer. The texture of the palm-leaves composing the thatch, is not such as to resist for any protracted period the intense heat of the climate; and the heavy rains accelerate its destruction.
It has appeared matter of surprise to many, that the natives should desire, or the Missionaries recommend, the erection of such large places of worship; and I have often been asked, how we came to build such immense houses. The Royal Chapel at Papaoa, however, is the only one of the kind in the islands. It originated entirely with the king, and in its erection the Missionaries took no part. The king, determined in his purpose, levied a requisition for materials and labour on the chiefs and people of Tahiti and Eimeo—by whose combined efforts it was ultimately finished. The Missionaries were far from approving of the scale on which Pomare was proceeding ; and, on more than one occasion, some of them
POJLYNBSIAN EBSBARCHJM. 107
expressed their regret that so much time and property should he appropriated to the erection of a building, which would be of far less general utility than one of smaller dimensions* But the king was not thus to be diverted from his original design; and however injudicious the plan he pursued might be, the motives by which he was influenced were certainly commendable. He frequently observed, that the heaviest labour and the most spacious and enduring buildings ever erected, were in connexion with the worship of their former deities, illustrating his remarks by allusion to the national maraes at Atehuru, Tautira, and other parts j declaring, at the same time, his conviction that the religion of the Bible was so much superior to that under which they formerly lived, and the service of the true God so happy and beneficial in its influence, that they ought to erect a much better place for the homage of Jehovah, than had ever been reared for the dark mysteries and cruel sacrifices connected with the worship of their idols.
In this statement of his motives, we have every reason to believe the king was sincere, and we consequently felt less inclined to object. It is probable, also, that considering the Tahitians as a Christian people, he had some desire to emulate the conduct of Solomon in building a temple, as well as surpassing in knowledge the kings and chieftains of the islands. When, in the course of conversation, the building was mentioned, or he was .asked why he reared one so large, he inquired whether Solomon was not a good king, and whether he did not erect a house for Jehovah superior to every building in Judea, or the surrounding countries.
Excepting its lengthened vista, and the singular appearance of the ornamented roof, there is nothing very
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POJLYNBUAH RB9BABCOBS.
prepossessing in the interior of the Royal Mission (Chape); and iU length is so very dispitmortioned ie its width and elevation, that the exterior ia iwfthar elegant nor imposing; and although it breaks the uau* tonrity and londuness of the landscape, it can hardly he •aid that ita introduction has, been an impspvement* Pbmare, however, a£]teared to experience great satisfiic-tion in superintending ita erection, and in making ita progress. He was present, surrounded by not fewer than seven thousand of his subjects, when it was for the first time appropriated to the sacred purpose for Wbieb it had been built, and his feelings on that occasion ware, no doubt, of a superior and delightful kind-^very different from those of his predecessors in the government of Tahiti, and especially of his father; who, when the Missionaries built their little chapel at Mat^vai, for Which he had furnished the timber, sent a. large fish, requesting it might be suspended in the temple, of the God of Britain, that he might share his favour, and secure bis *id» as well as that of the goda of Tahiti.
The first places of worship erected by the natives* after the subversion of idolatry, were cqmparatfvely Small in siae, and differed but little from the common native houses, excepting in the manner in Which the interior was fitted up. Imis wa* generally done -fey fisdng benches from one. end to the other, and erecting a kind of desk or table equally distant from both extremfc ties, and near one of the aides. These chapels were formerly numerous, and the inhabitants of each district had their own fare hurt, or house of prayer, in wfcfch they were accustomed, even in the most remote part of the island, to assemble regularly twice on the Sabbath, and once during the week, for reading the scriptures and
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109
prayer. Such was the rapidity with which places lor public worship were erected, that at the close of 1818, twelve months only after the battle of Narii, near Bunar auia, them were sixty-six in the island of Tahiti alone.
Since the establishment of the stations in Hnahine and the other islands, the number has been greatly diminished; the people in many parts have resorted to the Missionary settlement, particularly on the Sabbath} and the places formerly used as chapels have been con-vested into schools. Pieces now used fox worship in the islands, although not so numerous as formerly, are much men convenient and substantial. The wells are either oi plank or plaster, the floors are boarded, and the area within is fitted up with a pulpit, desk, and pews, or seats. Some have neat and commodious galleries; and in the island of Eimee, on the site of the temple of which Patii was priest, a neat and substantial chapel has been built with white hewn coral.
I have not heard that glass windows have been introduced into the chapels of any of the stations. Cushions have npt yet intruded into any of the pews, and only into one of the pulpits*
No native chape) is yet furnished with a public clock; and although it would be a valuable article, there is not such a thing in the South Sea Island*. The stations have also been hitherto but indilTerently supplied with a far more useful appendage to their places of public worship than even a dial ? namely, a bell. Whatever may he said of the inutility of bells in churches or chapels in civilised countries, where public clacks are numerous, and watches almost universal—the same objections will not apply to a people destitute of these, and having no means of denoting the hour of the day, except by men-
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tioning the situation of the sun in the heavens. In the South Sea Islands they certainly are not a needless article, and we found it impossible to induce the people to attend the schools, or assemble for public worship at any regular or appointed season, without some such method of calling them together. For several years there was, in all the islands, only one small hand-bell, not so large as that ordinarily used by the belman in an English market-town.
As the number of stations increased, bells were sent from England, but they were either too small, badly made, or carelessly used, and were frequently broken a few days after their arrival. Various were the ex* pedientB resorted to for supplying the deficiency thus occasioned, and I have often been amused at beholding the singular substitutes employed. In the Sandwich Islands they sometimes, I think, used a bullock's horn; in others, a long tin horn resembling that used by a mail-coach guard; but, in general, a fur more classic instrument, a eautiful marine shell, a species of turbo^ or trumpet-shell, varying in size according to the power of the individual by whom it might be sounded. This, in feet, was the trumpet carried by the king's messenger ; and I have often been delighted to see a tall and active man, or a lively and almost ruddy boy, with a light cloak or scarf thrown loosely over his shoulder, a wreath of flowers on his head, and a maro or girdle around his loins,—a shell, suspended by a braided cord, carelessly hanging on his arm—going round the village, stopping at intervals to sound his shell, and afterwards, perhaps, inviting the listening throng to hasten to the school, or to attend the place of worship. I procured a trumpet-shell actually used for these pur-
POLYNBSIAN RJSBABCHS.
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poses in Oahu, during my residence, and consider it one of the most interesting curiosities which I was enabled to deposit in the Missionary Museum.
At Eimeo, a thick hoop of iron, resembling the tier of & small carriage-wheel, suspended by a rope of twisted bark, and struck with an iron bolt, was substituted for a bell. At Huahine, during the greater part of my residence there, we had a square bar of iron hanging, by a cord of purau bark, from a high cocoa-nut tree that grew near the chapel; and our only means of calling the Inhabitants of the settlement together was, by appointing a person, at the proper hour, to strike it several minutes with a hard stone. It had been so long in use, that the bar of iron was considerably battered, and almost flattened by the blows.
The Missionaries at Raiatea procured what is called a pig of cast-iron ballast, a solid piece about three or lour feet long, and six or nine inches square, with a hole through one end. Near the chapel they erected a low frame, consisting of two upright posts, and a cross-piece at the top, resembling a gallows, from the centre of which the pig of iron was suspended; and when used, struck with a stone. What the natives thought of it I do not know, but to those who were accustomed to associate with a gallows, .and any object so attached to it, only ideas of an execution, or of a criminal hung in irons, its appearance was not adapted to awaken very gratifying feelings.
At Borabora, for a long time after Mr. Orsmond's settlement there, their only substitute for a bell was a broad carpenter's axe. The handle was taken out, a string of braided cinet passed through the eye, and when the inhabitants were to assemble, a native boy
112 FOLYWMMAW RBSBAftCBaS.
went through the settlement, holding it up by the siring with one hand, and striking it with a stone which he held in the other. When I last saw the boy going his accustomed rounds, I perceived that, in consequence of frequent and continued use, the side he struck had actually become concave, while the opposite one exhibited a corresponding convexity.
But the most rude and simple expedient I ever beheld was at Raivavai, or High Island, where every implement of Iron was as precious and as scarce as bells or clocks were at the other stations. At Raiatea, a sun-dial was erected, by which the natives, When the sun shone, were informed of the proper time for ringing their bell: at the other stations, they usually applied to the Missionaries, by whose watches the meetings Were regulated, but here they had neither dial nor watch: they therefore regulated ffceir thne of assembling in the school or the chapel by the situation of the sun. At the appointed time, the person whose office it was to call them together, went to the green spreading tree, from one of whose lower branches their rude unpolished bell waa suspended. It was. a rough flattish oval-shaped stone, about throe ftet long, and twelve Or eighteen inches wide* A piece of rugged twisted bark was tied across it, and fastened to the tree. A number of small round stones lay underneath, with which, when it was necessary to call the people together, die large one was struck; I could not imagine its use, until, in answer to my inquiry* the native teacher said, " It is the bell with which we call tile people to prayers/* It appeared metallic to a great degree, as the sound produced by striking ft was considerable; but not, I should think, such aa could be heard at a distance. These circumstances
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appear trivial, but they serve to shew the expedients resorted to in a state so peculiar as that now prevailing in the South Sea Islands.
For school the bell is rung, the shell sounded, or the bar of iron beaten, only once; which is about a quarter of an hour before it commences. For public worship it is repeated a second time—once at a quarter before the commencement, and again immediately preceding the service; and indifferent as the means of giving public notice are, there is no cause to complain of delay or interruption, from the late attendance of the people. They are punctual in repairing to the house of prayer immediately after the first intimation has been given, and are usually all assembled before the period for the service to commence has arrived. Their ready and early attendance is a circumstance cheering to the minds of their teachers, who often receive a message, informing them, that though it may not be time to ring the second bell, the house is full, and the people are waiting. This is not only manifested with regard to their Sabbath-day services, but their lecture on Wednesday evening, and their monthly Missionary prayer-meetings. It is true, their occupations at home are seldom very urgent, and they have not much to neglect; it is nevertheless encouraging to notice, that they do not wish to avoid a place of worship, when a public service is held.
To the influence of climate, the habit of frequent bathing, so prevalent among the South Sea Islanders, is probably to be attributed. This salutary custom is followed alike by all classes, without regard to sex or age. The infant immediately after its birth is with its mother taken to the sea; and the last effort often n. Q
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made by the aged and decrepit, is to crawl or totter to the water, and enjoy its refreshing influence. Their loose light mode of dressing, and the abundance of cool, clear, and secluded streams meandering through almost every valley in the islands, probably favour the frequency of the practice, and its grateful effects render it one of their greatest luxuries.
Contrary to the practice of those who are accustomed to resort to the sea-side for the purpose of. bathing in salt-water, the natives of these islands, without exception, prefer on every account to bathe in the mountain streams. It is a principal remedy in many of their diseases; yet doubtless often aggravates what they design to alleviate. It is, however, a means of great benefit: for this, as well as every other purpose, they prefer the freshwater; and even those whose avocations lead them to frequent the sea for fishing, although they may have plunged beneath the wave fifty times in the day, yet invariably repair to the nearest stream to bathe, before they return to their houses. They say the sea-water produces an irritation which is peculiarly unpleasant. Children not more than three or foar years, of age are often seen playing in groups along* the margin of Hie sea, without the least apprehension of danger, and they aa frequently resort for amusement to the rivers. It is probable that the people in general bathe less now than they were accustomed to do formerly, yet there are none, perhaps, who omit bathing once, and many who visit the river twice,, in the course of the day. The universality and frequency of this custom is highly conducive- to health, and produces a degree of personal cleanliness seldom met with among an uncivilized race.
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Although some of their practices are offensive to every feeling of delicacy and propriety, yet they are certainly a remarkably cleanly people* This regards not only their repeated ablutions, but their care to remove every thing unsightly from their persons. No hair was allowed on their limbs; formerly it was plucked out by the roots, or shaved with a shell or a shark's tooth; and those who do not wear the Euro* pean dress, are still very particular in removing the hair from their legs and arms. This is usually done with a knife, the razors they have among them being reserved for removing the beard.
The adults formerly wore their hair in a variety of forms; the heads of their children they always shaved with a shark's tooth. This operation was frequently repeated during their juvenile years. The females generally cut their hair short, but the men wore theirs in every diversity of form—sometimes half the head almost shaved, the hair being cut short, and the other half covered with long hair—sometimes the crown cut, and the edges left the original length. Frequently, it was plaited in a broad kind of tail behind, or wound up in a knot on the crown of the head, or in two smaller ones above each ear. Since the introduction of Christianity it has been worn remarkably neat: the men's hair is usually short, the females the same, excepting in the front, though some wear it long, curled in front, and bound up on the crown.
Nothing at first sight produces a stronger impression on the most careless observer, in the difference between the inhabitants of an island where paganism prevails, and those of one where Christianity has been
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introduced, than the appearance of their hair. I have often seen one who was an idolater, or who had but recently embraced Christianity, and whose hair was uncut and his beard unshaven, standing in a group of Christians, and I have been struck with the contrast.
Sometimes the men plucked the beard out by the roots, shaved it off with a shark's tooth, or removed it with the edges of two shells, acting like the blades of a pair of scissors, by cutting against each other; while others allowed the beard to grow, sometimes twisting and braiding it together. These fashions, however, have all disappeared, and the beard is generally shaved at least once a week, and by the chiefs more frequently* These cut their whiskers rather singularly sometimes, and leave a narrow strip of their beard on the upper lip, resembling mustachios : the greater part, however, remove the beard altogether, which must often be no easy task. There are no barbers by profession, yet every man is not his own barber, but contrives to shave his neighbour, and is in return shaved by him. Some of the most ludicrous scenes ever exhibited in the islands occur while they are thus employed. Only a few of the chiefs are so far advanced in civilization as to use soap; the farmers cannot understand how it can help to remove the beard, they therefore dispense with it altogether. When the edge of the razor or knife is adjusted, the person to undergo the operation, in order to be quite stationary, lies flat on his back on the ground, sometimes in his house, at other times under the shade of a tree, and Mb friend kneels down over him, and commences his labour. When he has finished, he lays himself down, and the man who is shaved gets up, and performs the same office for
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his friend. Sometimes the razor becomes rather dull, and something more than a little additional strength is necessary. A whetstone is then applied to the edge; but if this be not at hand, the man gets up half-shaved, and both go together to the nearest grindstone; and I have beheld that the transition from the grindstone to the chin is sometimes direct, without any intermediate application to the edge of the razor. The hone and the strap, however, have1 been introduced, and ere long will probably supersede the use of the grindstone, and also the whetstone*
The islanders appear to have paid at all times great attention, not only to cleanliness, but to personal ornaments. On public occasions, their appearance was in a high degree imposing. At their dances, and other places of amusement or festivity, they wore a profusion of ornament, and on ordinary occasions, with the exception of the aged and decrepit, devoted much time to the improvement of their appearance. The hair of the females, which was neatly trimmed, and sometimes appeared in short loose curb, was an1 object of great attention; the eye-browB were also reduced, or shaped according to their ideas of beauty. The hair was ornamented with elegant native flowers, sometimes exhibited in great profusion and variety, at others with only one or two single jessamine blossoms, or a small wreath interwoven with their black and shining ringlets. They displayed great taste in the use of flowers, and the adorning of their hair. Frequently I have seen them with beautiful wreaths of yellow flowers, worn like fragrant necklaces on their bosoms, and garlands of the same around their brows, or small bunches of the brilliant scarlet hibiscus roses chinensi*
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fastened in their hair. Though totally unacquainted with what we are accustomed to call artificial flowers, yet the brilliant and varied odoriferous plants, that grew spontaneously among their mountains or their valleys, did not suffice to gratify their wishes; they were therefore accustomed to manufacture a kind of artificial flowers, by extracting the petals and leaflets of the most fragrant plants and flowers, and fastening them with fine native thread, to the wiry stalk of the cocoa-nut leaf, which they saturated with monoi, or scented oil, and wore in each ear, or fixed in the native bonnet, made with the rich yellow cocoa-nut leaf. The men, though unaccustomed to adorn their hair with flowers, were careful of preserving and dressing it. They generally wore it fang, and often fastened in a graceful braid on the crown, or on each side of the head, and spent not a small portion of their time in washing and perfuming it with scented oil, combing and adjusting it. When it was short, they sometimes dressed it with the gum of the bread-fruit tree, which gave it a shining appearance, and fixed it as straight as if it had been stiffened with rosin. The open air was tie general dressing-place of both sexes; and a group of females might often be seen sitting under the shade of a cramp of wide-spreading trees, or in the cool mountain-stream, employing themselves for hours together in arranging the curls of the hair, weaving the wreaths of flowers, and filling the air with their perfumes. Their comb was a rude invention of their own, formed by fixing together thin strips of the bamboo-cane. Hieir mirror was one supplied by nature, and consisted in the dear water of the stream, contained in a cocoa-nut shell.
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Hie attention of the people to personal decoration rendered looking-glasses valuable articles of trade in their early intercourse with foreigners; and although the habit has very much declined, and their taste with regard to ornament, &c. is materially changed, looking-glasses are still, with many, desirable articles. Those, however, who have furnished them, have often made a mistake in sending, on account of their cheapness, an inferior kind, which, in consequence of a defect in the glass, exhibits the face in a distorted and ludicrous shape. Nothing will more offend a Tahitian than to ask him to look in one of these glasses. They call them hio maamaa, foolish glasses, and, instead of purchasing them, would sometimes hardly be induced to accept them as presents.
Since the introduction of Christianity, the use of flowers in the hair, and fragrant oil, has been in a great degree discontinued*—partly from the connexion of those ornaments with the evil practices to which they were formerly addicted, and partly from the introduction of European caps and bonnets, the latter being now universally worn.
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CHAP. V.
Improved circumstances of the female*—Instruction in needlework— Introduction of European clothing—Its influence upon the people—Frequent singularity of their appearance—Development of parental afiec* tion—Increased demand for British manufactures—Native hats and bonnets—Reasons for encouraging a desire for European dress, &c.— Sabbath in the South Sea Islands—Occupations of the preceding day— Early morning prayer-meetings—Sabbath schools—Order of divine service—School exercises—Contrast with idolatrous worship.
While the enclosure of plantations and gardens, the erection of neat and commodious dwellings, schools, and the spacious building for the worship of the true God, after the European plan, were rapidly altering the aspect of the settlement, the natives themselves were undergoing a change in appearance, in perfect keeping with this transformation of the surrounding country. The females, no longer exposed to that humiliating neglect to which idolatry had subjected them, enjoyed the comforts of domestic life, the pleasure resulting from the culture of their minds, the ability to read the scriptures, and to write in their own language, in which several excelled the other sexj they also became anxious to engage in employments which are appropriated to their own sex in civilized and Christian communities. The females in Huahine, and the other islands, were therefore taught to work at their needle, and soon made a pleasing proficiency.
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The Missionaries' wives had taught some few in Eimeo prior to our arrival; but, until their reception of Christianity, they considered it degrading to attach themselves to the household of. the foreigners, or to learn any of their arts and customs; they also thought their own manner of wearing a piece of native or foreign cloth, cast loosely round the body, preferable to the European mode of dress, and consequently had no inducement to learn needlework, or any other kind of female employment. They were, however, now anxious not only to adopt the English style of clothing, but also to be able to make their own dresses. This was a kind of instruction which our wives were competent to impart, even before they had acquired a sufficient knowledge of the language to enable them to teach in the schools. Mrs. EUis had engaged in it ever since our arrival in Eimeo 5 and, as soon as we were settled in the Leeward Islands, some were daily occupied in teaching the native females to sew.
In Huahine a large class attended every afternoon from two till five o'clock, alternately at our respective houses, where Mrs. Barff and Mrs. Ellis met, and spent the afternoon pleasantly in each other's society, and unitedly teaching the females by whom they were surrounded. The natives, in general, now considered it a great favour to be taught, though it was sometimes found that they had entertained very incorrect ideas of the motives by which their instructors were influenced. A young woman had attended very regularly for some weeks, and had learned to use her needle as well as could be expected in that time. One Saturday night she presented herself with our native domestics, and begged to be paid her wages for learning to sew! Mrs. E.
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•aid, Why should I pay you ? in our country it is customary for those instructed to pay their teachers. The woman answered with some earnestness. You asked me to come and learn—I hare been here so long—I hare learnt. It must be in some way advantageous to you, or you would not hare been so anxious about it j and as I have done what you wished me to do, you ought to pay me for it. She was told that the labour of teaching had been gratuitous, and the advantage resulting was all her own; and appeared satisfied when assured, that now she had learned, she should be regularly paid for the needlework she might do. This, however, at the time to which I now refer, 1819, was a rare occurrence; although, in the earlier periods of the Mission, it had been frequently manifested, not only in regard to needlework, but every department of instruction.
Accustomed only to perform those services that were for the advantage of foreigners, the natives had been usually paid for the same. They could not conceive, notwithstanding the frequent explanations given, why the Missionaries should be so desirous for their learning to read, &c. if they were not, in some way or other, benefited thereby: hence, many of the early scholars expected to be paid for learning, and I believe some for appearing at the chapel. This, however, was only manifested during the time when very few could be induced to attend, and none perhaps came from the influence of that desire for Christian instruction, which attended the general profession of Christianity. After this period, it was only shewn by those who were actuated by a desire to obtain the favour of their superiors.
European cloth, cottons in particular, had long been
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favourite articles of barter with the natives, on account of their durability compared with native manufacture, their adaptation to the climate, variegated and showy colours, and the trifling injury they sustained from wet. They no longer traded for ardent spirits, muskets, powder, &c and were consequently enabled to procure larger quantities of British woven cloth. Hitherto, however, they had generally worn the European cottons, &c. in the native manner, either as a light tehei, thrown over the shoulder, a pareu wound round the waist; or ah* buuy a kind of large scarf or shawl, loosely covering the greater part of the body. They were now desirous to assimilate their dresses in some degree to ours. Mrs. Nott and Airs. Crook made one or two loose dressing-gowns for Pomare, after a pattern from us. This introduced the fashion, and many of the women made others for their husbands.
The first garment in general use among the females, was a kind of Roman tunic, usually of white or brae calico, these being their favourite colours. It was fastened round the neck with a short collar, which, if possible, was united by a bright gilt or plated button. The sleeves were long and loose, and buttoned at the wrists, while the lower parts reached nearly to tiie ankles. On the outside of this, they wore the pareu round the waist, and reaching below the knees. The colour of these articles was generally in perfect contrast. When the loose European dress was white, the pareu, worn round the waist on the outside of it, was of dark brae; one end of it was sometimes thrown carelessly over the shoulder, or hung loosely on the arm, heightening the novel and not unpleasing effect produced by their blending, in the apparel of the same individual, the ancient
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native with the modern European costume. Their dress thus indicated, equally with their half-native and half-foreign dwellings, the peculiar plastic, forming state of the nation, and the advancement of that process which was then constantly imparting .to it some fresh impression, and developing new traits of character with rapid and delightful progression.
As the natives experienced the convenience of the new dresses, their desire for them increased, and the long loose* dress soon became an every-day garment, while others of a finer texture, made after the European fashion, were procured for holidays and special occasions. From making plain, straight-forward garments, the more expert were anxious to advance still higher; and in process of time, frills appeared round the neck; and, ultimately, caps covered the heads, and shoes and stockings clothed the feet. Our assemblies now assumed quite a civilized appearance, every one, whose means were sufficient to procure it, dressing in a garment of European cloth.
These changes in the exterior of the people were sometimes attended with rather humorous circumstances. I shall not soon forget the first time the queen, and about half a dozen of the chief women of Huahine, appeared in public, wearing the caps which had been sent as a present by some ladies in England. It was some time after the adoption of the English dress. When they first entered with their bonnets on, much surprise was not excited; but when these were removed, and the cap appeared, they viewed each other for some time most significantly, without, however, saying a word, yet each seeming to wonder whether her head, with its new appendages, resembled in appearance that of her neigh*
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bour. The attendants, and others who were not so distinguished, after recovering from evident astonishment at seeing the Huahinian ladies for the first time in European caps, were by no means sparing in their remarks. Some observed, they were perhaps designed to keep the head cool; others, to keep it warm; and others supposed they were to preserve it from the flies and musquitoes. All agreed that they looked very strange, and the wearers appeared to think so themselves ; but it was supposed to be according to the usage of ladies in England,—and to the despotism of fashion, even here, all minor considerations were rendered subservient.
The desire to obtain foreign clothing was now very great, equal to that with which they sought iron tools'; and whenever they procured one article of it, it was worn forthwith, without waiting till the suit was completed. This often rendered their appearance to a European eye exceedingly ludicrous. There was a degree of propriety usually manifested by all classes of the females, in their dress: they either paid more attention to their appearance than the other sex, or were better informed; and the only inconsistency we ever observed was that of a woman's sometimes wearing a coat or jacket belonging to her husband or brother. The men, however, were less scrupulous; and whether it resulted from their fondness of variety, or a supposition that the same clothes, worn in different ways, would appear like distinct articles of. dress, I am not able to say; but I have seen a stocking sometimes on the leg, and sometimes on the arm, and a pair of pantaloons worn one part of the day in the proper manner, and during another part thrown over the shoulders, the arms of the wearer
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stretched through the legs, and the waistband buttoned round the chest.
Their own dress was remarkably simple in its form and appearance, and was generally more or less adapted to their vocation. When employed in agricultural pursuits, or in fishing, in which occupation they were as much in the sea as out of it, the men seldom wore any other dress than their Mere or mora, a broad girdle passed several times round the body. At other times they wore a pareu, which reached from the waist to the calf of the leg. Over the shoulders, when not at work, they wore a loose ahu buu, a kind of scarf or mantle, in some degree resembling the Roman toga; or they appeared in the tiputa, an article of dress, having an aperture in the centre through which the head is passed, the other parts extending over the shoulders, breast, and back. The tiputa was generally worn by the chiefs and all persons of respectability.
This article is common to all the South Sea Islanders, and resembles in every respect, excepting the material of which it is fabricated, the poncho worn by the aborigines of South America, inhabiting the countries adjacent to the Pacific. The combination of these with some parts of the men's apparel worn in Europe, produced an effect less pleasing than the apparel of the females. Appearance and convenience, however, were not much considered by the Society Islanders, and it was often amusing to see a native sans culotte, without waistcoat or shirt, with a maro or pareu round his waist, and a fashionably made black coat on his back. The men are generally above the middle stature, and proportionably stout, and few of the coats, &c. belonging to the captains or officers of
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vessels touching at the islands were large enough. If, however, they could by any means thrust their large muscular arms through the sleeves, it was thought to fit very well. Notwithstanding the warmth of the climate, they are fond of wearing the coat buttoned; and although when thus fastened it appeared less repulsive to our opinions of propriety, than when, standing open, it exposed the naked breast of the wearer, it was often quite distressing to see the imprisoned and pinioned arms occasionally struggling for liberty, and the perspiration oozing from the pores of the skin, indicating the laborious confinement of the body it enclosed.
These were scenes witnessed immediately after the general adoption of European clothing. Most of those who wear it now, are able to procure at least one complete suit, and consequently appear less singular. In the arrangement, however, of the different articles of a complete dress, they were equally unhappy, and not infrequently presented an appearance which it was impossible to behold with gravity. A tall man was sometimes seen with a hat and shoes, without stockings, a long surtout black-cloth coat, with the collar turned up and buttoned close to his chin, and over his black coat a white frilled shirt, the collar unbuttoned, and the bosom thrown open, the sleeves drawn up towards the elbows, and the outline of the other parts appearing in strong contrast with the black coat underneath, which reached to his ankles. Such an appearance was more than once presented, and the reason assigned for it was, that the shirt was so much smaller than the coat, that had it, instead of the coat, been put underneath, it would not have been Although exhibited in
the person of a chief, the incongruity of such an arrange-
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ment furnished matter of ridicule even for the natives themselves, and is now never seen.
European articles of dress are in the greatest demand ; this method of clothing being. adopted by all whose means enable them to procure either cotton or woollen cloth; and there are few, who, by preparing arrow-root, feeding pigs, manufacturing cocoa-nut oil, or other labour, cannot purchase from the shipping a suit of foreign clothing. I have frequently been delighted to see families of natives going on board the vessels, or repairing to the market-house on shore, with the produce of their labour; and when they have arrived at the place of barter, and the captain or the merchant has spread before them his attractive goods, glossy and bright in all the shining colours of which they are so fond; the parents' eye has often glanced over them, in wonder when and how they were made. They have been seen occasionally looking down to notice what had attracted the attention of a little boy or girl, standing, perhaps, beside them; and if they thought the child could not distinctly see the different pieces, they have lifted it up, that it might look over the table, and then have asked the child which it would like to have. Sometimes the child would smile and hang its head, and fall upon its mother's shoulder, as if it knew not which to choose. At other times it would point to one, upon which the merchant has been directed to cut off so much as would make a frock or gown: it has been folded up and given to the child; and while the parent's eye has marked the pleasure of the child as it held the new frock on its arm, the smile on their own countenances has declared the pleasure they experienced. In many instances I have seen a garment
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for the mother next selected; and then the father, with the remainder of their native produce, has purchased some articles for himself. Their first effort now is generally to purchase, and to learn to make light clothing for their children; and there are perhaps few parents in the islands who would think of purchasing a garment for themselves, while their little one was destitute.
It is a pleasing fact, which demonstrates unequi-vocally that the South Sea Islanders are not deficient in capacity, but are capable, when inducement sufficient is offered, of acquiring habits of close industry, that in the islands of Raiatea and Huahine, or any of the stations in the Leeward Islands, there was hardly an adult female, excepting the aged and infirm, who could not use her needle so as to make her own clothes, and those required by other members of the family. I have not had equal opportunity of knowing what progress the females in the Windward Islands have made, but have reason to believe it is highly creditable to their application.
The occupation furnished by the new order of things that has followed the introduction of Christianity, is one of the important sources of their present enjoyment. But this is not the only advantage resulting therefrom. It has opened a new channel for commercial enterprise, and has actually created a market for British manufactures, the consumption of which, among the islands of the Pacific that have received the Gospel, is already considerable: Mr. Stewart estimates that the trade of four American merchants in the Sandwich Islands amounts to one hundred thousand dollars a year; this, however, is a far greater amount than that of all the n. s
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other island* of Polynesia, The demand will increase in the «n»ct proportion iawJadi industry shall augment the produce of the islands, and the property of their inhabitants. This is a consideration which, though con-feaaedigc very inferior to many, ought not to he disregarded by those who take an interest in the transformation of society which is new attending Missionary efforts in various parts of the world, but particularly in such connterkaaaAfBtc^ Madagascar, and the islands of the Pacific*
Shoes and hate ate not mnch less in demand than cottons or woollens; and these also must, for the present,, and probably for many years to come, be supplied from £ngland or America. Although the light hats, made with a. fine sort of grass, or the bark of a tree, are* in our estimation, remarkably jvell adapted for the climate, most, of the men, making any pretensions to respectability, strive to possess an English hat* We were for a long time surprised at the partiality of the natives for woollen cloth, and hardily knew how to account for it, as it does not altogether arise from its being more durable. At one time, no article of dress was more acceptable to the men than a thick shaggy great coat, which, to us, it: was quite oppressive even to behold* Many purchased with avidity a thick blanket, which they would wear as an ahubuu over the shoulders, or a paceu round the waist. Frequently, when we have, bean burdened with tile Kghtest crape or nankeen dress* a native, by no means deficient in corpulency, would walk several miles with an ordinary great coat, without seaming to experience more than usual inconvenience*. I never heard them complain of the heat, and the cause of their apparent insensibility to its
P0LTOS8IAN RSSBARCHSS. 131
oppressive influence, is probably to be found in their being early exposed, and constantly habituated to the climate.
Early in the year 1830, another important change took place in the dress of the Society Islanders; affecting not only their appearance, but tending perhaps ultimately to alter their physical structure. This was the introduction of hats and bonnets. If the skulls of those nations that wear no covering on their heads, are thicker than those who do, there is reason to suppose the cranium* of the Tahitians will be much thinner in a few generations, than they have been prior to this period; since, from their earliest history, they appear to have gone abroad bareheaded. The inhabitants formerly wore a kind of bonnet, or rather, shade for the eyes, made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut in a variety of forms, many of them tasteful and elegant. They were called /«*-poo or tttumata, and, as the latter name signifies, were designed to skreen the face or eyes; it being composed of tau, to hang upon or over, and tnata, face or eyes. |t was worn on the forehead immediately below the hair} and fastened by a narrow leaflet passing round the back of the head above each of the ears, leaving the whole of the back and upper part of the head entirely exposed.
The first native bonnet we have heard of, as manufactured in the islands, was finished, while we resided in Afareaitu, by Mrs. Ellis. It was made for our infant daughter, with leaflets of the fan-leaved palm, brought from the Marquesas; and the first hat we ever saw that had been made there, was one Mrs. Ellis made for me at Huahine, with the same kind of leaves, which were, platted by a sailor in Eimeo. Hats and bonnets were, however, introduced among the natives by our friends in
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Raiatea, with whom many valuable improvements have originated; and.the first hats and bonnets ever made in the islands, and worn by the natives, were made by Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Threlkeld in the spring of 1820. Their appearance on the heads of the natives of Raiatea produced no slight sensation there; and the report of their use, as it spread through the islands, occasioned a considerable stir.
Highly approving of whatever had a tendency to civilize the natives, or to furnish them with innocent and useful employment, we rejoiced at their introduction, and endeavoured to persuade the natives of Huahine to follow the example of their Raiatean neighbours; but whether they were influenced by a feeling of pride which made them averse to imitate the Raiateans, or an unwillingness to increase their domestic employments, we do not know; but the females in general, the queen and chief women in particular, seemed at first determined to resist the innovation. The men rejoiced at the idea of making hats; and yet, notwithstanding this, and the repeated offers of Mrs. Barff and Mrs. Ellis to teach the females to plat the leaves of the mau, and to make the plat into bonnets and hats, they were exceedingly averse to learn. Following the example of those in Raiatea, their teachers made bonnets for themselves with the bark of the purau; and though the chief women acknowledged that they looked very well on them, they said they had not yet procured the articles necessary to form a complete Euro* pean dress—that many were still without shoes and stockings—and that it would be quite ridiculous for the head to be covered with a bonnet after the fashion of the foreigners, while the feet, like those of the islanders in general, were without shoes. A short time afterwards,
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several of the natives of our island sailed over to Raiatea, and returned with very flattering accounts of the improved appearance of those who wore hats and bonnets. This induced several of the chief women, who had at least one complete English dress, to desire to learn to make them, and ultimately to substitute the European bonnet for the native taumata. A visit which a number of chiefs and their wives, from Raiatea, paid to Huahine, increased their eagerness for this new article of dress— which, when once adopted, was never laid aside.
Hie desire now became general, and was not confined to those who possessed other articles of foreign dress, it being extended even to such as had none. Thus, wearing a hat and bonnet was the first advance they made towards a more civilized appearance and dress. Our houses were now thronged by individuals anxious to be instructed; and so soon as Mrs. Barff or Mrs. Ellis had taught any of the females, these immediately taught the art to others; and those who excelled in the fineness of their platting, or in putting it together, were fully employed by the chiefs and others, and derived no small emolument from their new avocation. Dress-making and straw-bonnet making, now very profitable employments to a number of females, were certainly the first regular female occupations from civilized society introduced into the islands. T%e hats and bonnets were at first made with the inner bark of the slender branches of the purau, hibiscus Hliaceus, or the leaves of a fine species of rush. The former was beautifully white and glossy, while the latter was of a yellow colour, and much more firm and durable, on which account it was preferred for hats. The only hats I wore in the islands during the subsequent years of my residence
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there, were made with this material; and in thai climate I should never desire any other. The use of hats increased so rapidly, that all the European thread in the islands was soon expended. There were no haberdashers' shops at hand, whence a supply could he procured: recourse was therefore had to native productions. Some employed the long filaments of the dried plantain-stalk; and others split the thin hark of the puran into fine threads or fibres, and, though not equal in strength to twisted thread, both answered remarkably well.
The bonnets were in many instances scarcely finished, when another difficulty met their possessors. They had observed that the wives and daughters of the Missionaries, however plain their dress, wore a riband and strings to their bonnets, and they had often observed a greater profusion of trimmings attached to those worn by the wives of the captains, or the female passengers, in any of the vessels that touched at the islands; they therefore imagined that in point of improvement they might almost as well appear without a bonnet, as with one destitute of these appendages. These, however, it was no easy matter to procure, and they would at that time, certainly, have been the last article a captain or trader would have thought of taking to the South Sea Islands for barter. A few of the chief women were furnished with an English riband, which was considered as valuable as an embroidery of gold would be in some circles of society.
The greater portion of the inhabitants were, however, under the necessity of exercising their ingenuity to provide a substitute. Those they furnished were various, and such perhaps as few English females would have thought of. A part of a black coat, or a soldier's red
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jacket cut iato strips about two inches wide, was greatly esteemed. Next to this, ribands of native cloth, dyed with showy colours, were employed; while otters used a string of the bark from a branch of the purau, with the outer rind scraped off, the inner bark washed and bleached, passed round the bonnet, and tied under the chin.
Trimming* are not so scarce now as formerly, but the supply taken is still inadequate to the requirements of the people, among whom bonnets and hats are now so common, that before I left the Leeward Islands, scarce a man, woman, or child was to be seen out of doors without one—-many of them possessing two, and sometimes three or four.
They ate made entirely by the females, who manufacture not only for themselves, their husbands, and their children, but in some of the stations, several have formed themselves into a kind of society, for the purpose of making bonnets for the poor and the aged, who are unaUe to make for themselves. They have increased not only in number, but in variety of shape and materiaL The bonnets are now either sewn together, or woven throughout, after the manner of Leghorns* and are made not only with the leaves of the man, and the bark of the purau, but of the fine white layers of the inside of the plantain stalk, the leaf of the sugar* enne, and a strong and beautiful species of fine grass.
It may perhaps be supposed, by those who are unacquainted with the circumstances, that the wives of the Missionaries have not acted judiciously in introducing and cherishing a desire for dress and a love of finery. It may he thought that it has a tendency to
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engender pride, occupy the head and the hands about trifles, to the neglect of more important matters, inducing them to devote to the adorning of the person that time which might with greater advantage be appropriated to the cultivation of morals, and the improvement of their minds. The Missionaries, however, have not, in any degree, introduced the love of finery; they found it there, and cannot be supposed to have produced any change for the worse, in the taste of a people, by whom a black coat fringed round the edge with red feathers was considered a suitable dress even for a high-priest. The most showy English dress they ever saw, would probably, in the estimation of every beholder, appear comparatively plain, when placed by the side of those the natives formerly wore. The splendid appearance of the loose and flowing ahu puu, or the richness of the tiputa, dyed in the bright and favourite scarlet - and yellow colours, together with some of their head-dresses of tropic-bird feathers, and garlands of the gayest flowers, gave them certainly an imposing appearance. The former continued to be worn after their renunciation of idolatry; and the Missionaries knew no reason why they should recommend the discontinuance of a dress to which the nation was accustomed, merely on account of its gay appearance.
Convinced it is not in the dress with which the person is invested, but in the feelings of the heart with which that dress is regarded, that the evil exists— and that pride does not consist in the wearing of apparel superior to that to which an individual may have been accustomed, or to that worn by others, provided it be suitable to his circumstances, and the society with which he associates—they did not dis-
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approve of the native dresses. But considering the danger to arise from substituting external adornment for internal worth, and imagining that distinction in dress confers an advantage on its wearer, or entitles him to that which he would not otherwise assume —the Missionaries were led to conclude, that a Tahi-tian, arrayed in a scarlet and yellow tiputa, or invested in the rich fold of his ami puu, was perhaps as humble in mind as those who appeared desirous to divest themselves of every exterior ornament,— Their principal aim, however, was to encourage habits of industry; and this, from the heat of the climate, the spontaneous productions of the soil, and other causes, could only be done by the introduction of what might be called artificial wants, which should operate on the native mind with power sufficient to induce labour for their supply. Idleness has been the most fruitful source of many of their vices and sufferings; and when we have seen the females working with their needle, or with the straw for their bonnets, &c. we could not but deem it an occupation far more conducive to their enjoyment, than idleness, or their former unprofitable and often injurious pastimes. It is not to be expected that a people unaccustomed to mental effort should be constantly engaged with their books. They did not relax in their attendance at the school, or any of the meetings for public instruction; and we could not but observe with satisfaction, their altered appearance in all public assemblies, as indicating an improvement in civilization, and an increase of industry.
Their regular and early attendance on the Sabbath, ever has been, and still is, remarkably conspicuous; it is to them a season of holy rest and devotional enjoy-
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136 POLYNESIAN RB8BARCHE8.
inent. Excepting in Tahiti* there is now no island on which more than a single Missionary resides, and consequently public preaching only at the station which he occupies. The principal families in mart of the islands have removed to toe settlement, to enjoy the benefit of regular instruction. Others, however, occupy lands which are at some distance; and even those who have erected their dwellings near the residence of their teacher, having plantations situated in a remote district, are often absent for several days together. Most of them, however, repair to the settlement for the Sabbath ; and it is a spectacle that has often gladdened our hearts, when, on the Saturday afternoon, we have seen parties from every direction approaching, by land dr by sea, the bay, at the head of which our settlement was formed.
In a walk through the village* on the afternoon of the day preceding the Sabbath, looking along the shore, we have often beheld the light canoe doubling a distant point of land, and, with its native cloth 09 matting sail, waited towards the station. Others nearer the shore, with their sails lowered, hare been rowed by the men; while the women and children were sitting in the stern, screened from the sun by a temporary awning. Along the coast, many were unlading their canoes, or drawing them upon the beach for security.
The shore presented a scene of activity. The crack* ling fire or the light column of smoke might be seen rising through the district, and the natives busily engaged in cooking the food for the Sabbath. On account of their food being dressed for the Sabbath on the Saturday, that day is called mahana maa, food-day. As the evening approached, multitudes were met returning from
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139
the inland streamy whither they had repaired, to bathe after the occupations of the day; the men bringing home their calabashes of water for drinking, or their aano* of water for washing the feet; while the females were carrying home bundles of the broad leaves of the hibiscus, which they had gathered, to serve instead of plates for Sabbath meals. On entering the dwellings on the Saturday evening, every thing would appear remarkably neat, orderly, and clean^-their food in baskets— their calabashes filled with fresh water—their fruit gathered—and leaves plucked and carefully piled up for use—their clean garments were also laid out ready for the next day. The hours of the evening, instead of being a season of greatest care and hurry, are, I believe, often seasons of preparation*—" prelude to hours of holy rest."
The sacred day was not only distinguished by a total cessation from labour, trade or barter, amusements, and worldly pleasure—but no visits were made, no parties of company entertained, no fire lighted, nor food cooked, except in cases of illness. This strict observance of the Sabbath, especially in regard to the latter points, whereby the Tahitian resembled the Jewish more perhaps than the Christian Sabbath, was not directly inculcated by the Missionaries, but resulted front the desire of the natives themselves to suspend, during this day, their ordinary avocations, and also from their imitation of the conduct of the Missionaries in this respect.
We have always been accustomed to have our usual beverage prepared in the morning and afternoon j but this is the only purpose for which, in ordinary seasons, a fire has ever been lighted for any of the Missionary families; and when destitute of these articles, which in
140 POLYNESIAN BESBARCBBS.
the earlier periods of the Mission was often the case, no fire was lighted on the Sabbath; their food was invariably dressed on the preceding day, and the warmth of the climate prevented their requiring fire for any other purpose. In this proceeding they were influenced by a desire that their domestics, and every member of their families, might have an opportunity of attending public worship.
The example, thus furnished by their teachers, has led to the strict and general observance of the Sabbath by the nation at large. Their private devotions are on this, as well as other mornings, usually concluded by sunrise, and shortly afterwards, the greater part of the inhabitants assemble for their Sabbath morning prayer-meeting. Besides a service in English, the Missionaries preach twice in the native language, and visit the Sabbath schools; these services are as many as they are able to undertake: the service at the morning prayer-meeting is therefore performed by the natives. We have, however, sometimes attended, and always with satisfaction.
It is impossible to conceive of the emotions of delight produced by witnessing six or eight hundred natives assembling at this hour in the respective chapels j and, on entering, to see a native, one who was perhaps formerly a warrior or Areoi, or even an idolatrous priest, stand up, and read a psalm or hymn, which the congregation rise, and sing. A portion of the scriptures, in the native language, is then read; and the thanksgivings and petitions of the assembly are offered to Almighty God, with a degree of fervour, propriety, appropriate use of scripture language, and chastened devotional feeling, that is truly astonishing, when it is considered that but a few years before, they were igno-
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141
rant and barbarous idolaters. A second hymn is sung, another portion of scripture read, and prayer offered by another individual—when the service closes, and the assembly retires.
Soon after eight o'clock the children repair to the Sabbath-schools, those for the boys and girls being distinct. About four hundred usually attend in Fare: they are divided into classes, under native teachers. About a quarter before nine, the congregation begins to assemble, and at nine the morning service commences. I have often heard with pleasure, as I have passed the Sabbath-schools rather earlier perhaps than usual, the praises of the Saviour sung by between three and four hundred juvenile voices, who were thus concluding their morning exercise. The children are then conducted to the chapel, each class led by its respective teacher, the girls walking first, two abreast and hand-in-hand, clothed very generally in European dresses; wearing bonnets made with a fine species of grass, or the bark of a tree; each carrying in her hand a neat little basket, made with similar materials, and containing a catechism, hymn-book, and testament: the little boys following in the same order; more frequently, however, arrayed in the native costume, having a little finely-platted white mat, fringed at the edges, wound round their loins; another of the same kind, or a light scarf, dyed with glowing native colours, passed across their chest, and thrown loosely over their shoulders; their feet naked, and their hair often cut short, but sometimes flowing in ringlets over their open countenances; while their heads were covered with a neat little grass or straw hat, made by their mothers or their sisters.
Before the service began, they were usually led to the
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Beats appropriated for them in the chapel j and where there have been galleries, these have been occupied by the scholars. Frequently we have been approaching the place of worship at the same time that the schools have entered it, and it has often afforded the sweetest satisfaction to behold a father or a mother, with an infant in the arms, standing under the shade of a tree that grew by the side of the road near the chapel, to see in the line of scholars, a son or daughter pass by. When the object of affection has approached, a smile of pleasure has indicated the satisfaction of the child at the notice taken by the parent, and that smile has been reciprocated by the parent, who, in silent gladness, followed to the house of God.
The morning service commences with singing, during which the congregations stand; a portion of scripture is then read, and prayer offered, the congregation kneeling or standing. This is followed by singing a second time; a sermon is then preached, after which a short hymn is sung, prayer presented, and the benediction given; with which the service closes, between half-past ten and eleven o'clock.
Although the religious exercises are now rather longer than they were when the people first began to attend, they seldom exceed an hour and a half on the Sabbath, and little more than an hour at other times. It has always appeared preferable, even to multiply the services, should that be necessary, than weary the attention of the people by unduly protracting them. When the congregation has dispersed, the children are conducted to the schools in the same order in which they came to the chapel, and are there dismissed by one of their teachers.
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149
In the afternoon they assemble in the schools, and read the scriptures, repeat hymns, or portions of the catechism, and are questioned as to their recollection of the sermon of the forenoon. We have sometimes been surprised at the readiness with which the children have recited the text, divisions, and leading thoughts in a discourse, without having written it down at the time they heard it. Ohm it has been most cheering to see them thus employed; exhibiting all the native simplicity of childhood, mingled with the indications of no careless exercise of the youthful mind on the important matter* of religion. It is always delightful to watch the commencement and progress of mental improvement, and the early efforts of intellect $ but it was peculiarly so here. Id the Sabbath-schools of the South Sea Islands, the mechanical parts of instruction (namely, learning to read and spell, &c.) are not attended to; the time is wholly occupied in the religious improvement of the pupils, and is generally of a catechetical kind.
Many of the parents attend as spectators at the Sabbath-schools, and it is not easy to conceive the sacred delight they experienced in beholding the improvement of their children, and attending at an exercise often advantageous to their own minds. The greater part of the people, however, spend the middle of the day In their own dwellings. Formerly they were accustomed to sleep, but we believe this practice is by many discontinued.
The public service in the evening commences, in most of the stations, about a quarter before four, and is performed in the same manner as that in the forenoon. Meetings for reading the scriptures and prayer are held at some of the native houses in the evening, and we
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usually read a sermon in the English language in our own families.
The attendance of the people is regular, and the attention seldom diverted. At first we perceived a great inclination to drowsiness, especially during the afternoon : at this we were not surprised, when we recollected that this was the manner in which they were accustomed to spend several hours every day, and that they were also unaccustomed to fixedness of attention, or exercise of thought on a particular subject, for any length of time. TTiis habit, however, has, we have reason to believe, very greatly diminished in all the islands, and more particularly where congregations are accustomed regularly to assemble.
The scrupulous attention to the outward observance of the Sabbath, may perhaps in some degree be the result of the impression left on the minds of the people by the distinguishing features of their former system, in which all the efficacy of their services consisted in the rigid exactness with which sacred days were kept, and religious ceremonies performed, without the least regard to the motives and dispositions of the devotees. To have kindled a fire, or to have failed in the observance of any rite enjoined, or restriction imposed, during their tabuy or sacred seasons, would have been sufficient, not only to have neutralized all the advantages expected from the most costly offerings or tedious services, but would have exposed the offenders to the anger of the god, and perhaps to death as its consequence.
With many, the influence of a system so inflexible has probably operated very powerfully in producing this uniform attention, at least to the outward duties
POLYNESIAN RBABAECHBg. \4f
of the Sabbath, the only sacred day now recognized amongst them. With others, there is reason to believe it arises from the influence of example, and the respectability it was at this time supposed to impart to individual character. But with many it originates in far higher motives, and is the result of christian principle in regard to what they consider a duty.
A number of instances, strikingly illustrative of this fact, might be adduced; I will, however, only refer to one* A man came to the Monday evening meeting on one occasion, and said his mind was troubled, as he feared he had done wrong. He was asked in what respect} when he answered, that, on the preceding day, which was the Sabbath, when returning from public worship, he observed that the tide, having risen higher than usual, had washed out to sea a large pair of double canoes, which he had left on the beach. At first he thought of taking a smaller canoe, fetching back the, larger ones, and fixing them in a place of security; but while he was deliberating, it occurred to his recollection that it was the Sabbath, and that the scriptures prohibited any work. He therefore allowed the canoes to drift towards the reef, until they were broken on the rocks. But, he added, though he did not work on the Sabbath, his mind was troubled on account of the loss he had sustained, and that he thought was wrong. He was immediately told that he would have done right, had he fetched the canoes to the shore on the Sabbath. When, however, it was considered, that perhaps this pair of canoes had cost him nearly twelve months' labour, and that, before they were lost he was comparatively richer than many an English merchant is in the pos-* session of a five or six hundred ton vessel, it appears
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a remarkable instance of conscientious regard for the Sabbath-day.
Since the abolition of idolatry, no part of the conduct oi the South Sea Islanders has impressed the minds of foreign visitants more forcibly than their attention to the observance of the Sabbath* I never saw any, even the most irreligious, or those unfriendly to Missions, who were not constrained to confess that it surpassed all they had heard or imagined could have been exhibited; while others, more favourably disposed, have publicly declared its effect on their own minds.
When Mr. Crook arrived in 1810, the ship reaching Tahiti on the Sabbath, no canoe put off, no native was seen on the beach, no smoke in any part of the district*** and they began to apprehend either that the population had been swept off by some contagious disease, or that they had all gone to battle. At length their fears were removed by one of the party, who had been there before, observing, that It was the Sabbath, and that on that day the natives did not launch their canoes, or light their fires, &c. In 1821, Captain Grimes "was surprised at the regularity and good order observed j the children of the Sabbath-school were ushered in by their teachers in their different classes, with as much uniformity as we see in public schools in London." Several masters of South Sea whalers, captains and officers in his majesty's navy, have borne the most decided testimony to these facts. A naval officer, who was at Tahiti in 1822, stated, that he visited the islands1 under a considerable degree of prejudice against the Missionaries, and suspicion respecting the reported change among the people,—but that his visit had entirely removed both. It was Friday when the vessel arrived; the natives thronged the ship
rOLTOUSIAN- RBSBAUCHBS. 14$
with fowls, fruity vegetables, &c. for sale, manifesting considerable earnestness and address in the disposal of their goods. The same was continued through the second day; but on the third, to the great astonishment of all on board, no individual came near the ship, assigning, afterwards, as a reason, that it was the Sabbath. On the day following, however, the trade was as brisk as it had been on that of their arrival. Captain Gambier, who visited them in the same year, in the extracts from his journal, which have been published, states, in reference to the manner of attending the duties of the Sabbath among the yo^ng, that, " The silence—4he order preserved—the devotion and attention paid to the subject, surprised and pleased me beyond measure." "Children," he adds, "are seen bringing their aged parents to the church, that they may partake of the pleasure they derive from the explanation of the Bible." The general attention to the public worship of God, and the exemplary Christian deportment of many of the people, have proved not only delightful, but beneficial to their visitors $ and we have the high and grateful satisfaction of knowing, that occasional and transient visits to the christian islands of the Pacific, have been the means of advantage to the visitors; and there are probably many instances of good, which the revelations of the last day alone will disclose.
It is a privilege to visit a country, and a happiness to live in a community, where the Sabbaths are thus spent, and prove to multitudes—
" Foretastes of heaven on earth—pledges of joy Surpassing fancy's flights and fiction's story, The preludes of a feast that cannot cloy, And the bright out-courts of immortal glory f"
148 ffOLfrauAM
This universal observance of the Sabbath-day appears to an Englishman In humiliating contrast with its profanation in many favoured sections of hit own country. The contrast is still more striking when compared With the manner in which it is perverted into a season of activity, business, and unwonted gaiety in the pursuit of pleasure, in Catholic countries—but it never appears so surprising as when viewed in comparison with the actual state of the people themselves only a few years ago* No Sabbath had then ever dawned, no happy multitudes met for praise and prayer, -no lovely throngs of children gathered in the Sabbath-schools, no inspired page or christian preacher directed their attention to the Lord of the Sabbath; but when the devotees met for public worship, it was under the gloom of dark overshadowing trees, amid the recesses of some rude temple, before some rustic altar, or in the presence of some deity of frightful form and fearful attributes, the offspring of their own imagination.
fOtTNSSIAN ftSMAHCBBS. 149
CHAP. VL
Public assemblies doling the weak Questional and conversational nesting—Topics discussed—The sett of the thoughts sad affections—Duty
' of prayer—Scripture biography and history—The first parents of mankind—Paradise—Origin of moral evil—Satanic influence—A future state
- —Condition of those who had died idolaters—The Sabbath—Inquiries respecting Engiand—The doctrine of the resurrection—Visits to Maern -r-Description of the aoa—Legend connected with its origin—Considered sacred—Cloth made with its bark—Manufacture of natire cloth—Variety of kinds—Methods of dyeing—Natrre matting—Different articles of household furniture*
Tab religions services of a general kind, among the natives, during the week, are not numerous. There Is one lecture, which is on Wednesday evening*— Numbers assemble at this time, and the exercise we have reason to believe is useful, in keeping alive that interest in matters of religion, which might be diminished by the secular engagements of the week. The following account of one of these meetings is given by Captain Gambler, in the extracts of his journal.
"On Wednesday afternoon we attended a native divine service. It was begun with a hymn; then Mr.Nott, who did duty, prayed extempore for some length, and then read a passage from the Scripture, upon which he preached with great fluency in the Otahekan language.. The church was well attended, though not so full as on Sundays, when it is crowded. Almost all the women, young and old, were habited in the European manner. The most perfect order
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reigned the whole time of the service. Hie devout attention these poor people paid to what was going forward, and the earnestness with which they listened to their teacher, would shame an English congregation. I declare, I never saw any thing to equal it! Objects of the greatest curiosity at all other times, they paid no Bort of attention to, during the solemnity of their worship. After it was over, crowds, as usual, gathered round, to look at pur uniforms, tp them so new and uncommon. I looked round very often during the sermon, and saw not one of the congregation flag in their attention to it. Every face was directed to the preacher, and each countenance strongly marked with sincerity and pleasure. I had heard of the success of the Missionaries before I came to Otaheite, and, after making great allowance for exaggeration in the accounts they had sent home, there remained sufficient to lead me to anticipate that they had done a great deal. But I now declare, their accounts were beyond measure modest, and, far from colouring their success, Hiey had not described it equal to what I found it. It is impossible to describe the sensations experienced on seeing the poor natives of Otaheite walking to a Protestant church in the most orderly and decent manner, with their books in their hands, and most of them dressed in European clothes.-^ Having just quitted the Marquesas, where we saw the very state the Otaheitans were in at the time of their first visitors, we of course saw the change to great advantage $ and the magnitude of it is so astonishing, that all has the appearance of a dream. When, however, fully convinced of the reality, the hand of an Almighty Providence is distinctly acknowledged."
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There Are special meetings, held once a week, for the instruction of those who desire to make a public profession of the Christian faith by baptism, and another for the candidates for communion. In addition to these, there is a public meeting for general conversation, or rather for answering the questions of the people, held every Monday afternoon or evening.
This meeting originated in that held on the 26th of July 1813, for the purpose of writing the names of those who were desirous of publicly professing Christianity; and was designed for the more particular instruction of such individuals, though it has since assumed a more general character. This has been one of the most important and efficient means of promoting general and religious improvement in the islands. The greater part of the inhabitants of the settlement in which it is held, and many from remote districts, having assembled in the place of worship j we usually took our seats near a table at one end of the building. Soon after the Missionaries have en* tered, a native, perhaps in some distant part of the house, stands up, and, addressing them by name, asks a question, states a difficulty that may have perplexed his mind, begs an explanation of a passage of Scripture, or makes an inquiry relative to some subject or portion of the sacred volume, &c. Our answers generally lead to farther questions, either from the first inquirer, or other individuals in the assembly. The conversation is sometimes continued until a late hour; and both the queries and the replies are usually listened to with great attention. We always endeavoured to divest these meetings of all formality and reserve; and studied to render them engaging, by accompanying our
152 PCXVNWIAN RMKAECBB64
illustrations with suitable anecdotes, am} encouraging in the people the most unembarrassed confidence 1 requesting them to present all their difficulties, and solicit explanations or directions*
This meeting has always been highly interesting, and has generally indicated the progressive improvement of the people. The subjects discussed are perhaps less miscellaneous than they were some years ago, when the people were totally uninformed in all the first principles of Christianity; and the nature of these meetings in some of the stations has, perhaps, undergone a slight change. They are, however, productive of important benefit.
Subjects of every kind were formerly discussed, and questions brought forward relative to the discipline of children, the forming of connexions, and the whole of their domestic economy, agriculture, trade, or barter, legislature, war and politics, history and science, as connected with the natural phenomena by which they were surrounded $ and occasionally what might be termed the first efforts of philosophical research, in their partially enlightened minds.
When the political questions referred to their foreign relations, or their intercourse with other islands, we sometimes allowed them to be entertained; but when* ever they were connected with any civil proceedings, or the internal government of the island, although the person who introduced it was not interrupted during his. speech, the matter was always referred to the king and chiefs, for whose consideration he was directed to present it at a convenient season, unless the chiefs, who were generally present, wished it to be then discussed.
One of the most curious and interesting topics of
FOLYNJUIAN BMUAJSrHUS. \5Q
conversation, frequently introduced by the move thinking or inquisitive among them, was, the seat of the affections, and the locality of intellect. Their idea* and onra were totally, at variance on this point; and, from the very nature of the subject, it was impossible to demonstrate the accuracy of one or the other. No part in the syBtem of Drs. Gall and Spun-heim ever obtained among them; and so far from being phrenologists, they did not imagine the brain to be even the seat of thought. The frequent eulogy pronounced by us on an oration or action, in which intellect and right feeling are developed, viz. " that it is creditable alike to the head and the heart" of the speaker or actor, would have been altogether unintelligible to them. The only exception to the prevailing opinion, which deprives the head or brain of. all connexion with the exercise of the mind, is the term for headach, which is tahoa, and is also used to signify confusion of noise, and perplexity from attention to a multitude of objects at the same time.
The phraseology employed in speaking of the seat of the intellect and the affections, presents another analogy between the idiom of their language, and that of the ancient Hebrews. When speaking of mental or moral exercises, they invariably employ terms for which the English word " bowels" is perhaps the best translation: hence they say, te manao o te obu, or i roto i te obu; the thought of the bowels, or within the bowels; te hxna-aro o te aau, the desire of the bowels; te rtrt o te aau, the anger of the bowels. Although bowels is, perhaps, the best single word for obu or aau, in the signification of which we have not been able to discover any difference, it dees not convey the full meaning of the
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word aau, Li some places it might be rendered heart according to our idiom, as in the thoughts of the heart or mind—the desire of the mind, or soul—or, the anger of. the soul. For soul and spirit, however, they have distinct terms, varua, and the ancient word vaiti; but it does not appear that they were accustomed to consider the soul or spirit as experiencing, in conjunction with the body, either mental or moral sensations. All the varied passions, and the mental exercises of which they were sensible, they spoke of as connected with the aau or obu> a term literally signifying the whole of the abdominal viscera—for each separate organ in which, they have a distinct name.
. To the head they attributed nothing in connexion with intellect, nor to the heart with regard to moral feeling. To the organ which in the language of anatomy would be called the heart, they attributed no other susceptibilities than, those which are common to other parts of the body. This led them generally to contend that the thoughts were in the body, and not in the brain; stating, in proof of the accuracy of their opinion, that the bowels or stomach were affected or agitated by desire, fear, joy, sorrow, surprise, and all strong affections or exercises of the mind. They were, probably, confirmed in this definition by the fact of such being the belief of their ancestors.
In reply, we usually informed them, that we were accustomed to speak of the heart as the seat of the affections and moral principles, though by the heart we often meant nearly the same as they intended by the word aau. or obu, but that. we considered our sensations and mental perceptions to be connected with the brain. It was in vain that we endeavoured
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to shew the reasonableness of this opinion, by point* ing out and explaining the connexion between the nerves pervading the several organs of sense, and the brain—the cessation and interruption of mental sensation and exercise, when the nerves of the brain were permanently injured—or when the line of nerves extending from an organ to the brain was broken. They usually answered, they would believe it because we said so, but that they did not understand it: indeed it was not to be expected that they should, as their knowledge of the anatomy of the human frame was exceedingly limited. They had no idea even of the existence of nerves, and it was necessary' to introduce' into their language a word by which they might be designated. Discussions of this nature, though adapted to interest the people, and encourage the exercise of intellect, were probably more amusing than profitable; and notwithstanding the diversified subjects presented, their inquiries generally referred to the new order of tilings which Christianity had introduced.
In reference to this, while they were sometimes trivial, and perhaps ludicrous, they were often deeply interesting and highly important, and not unfrequently difficult and perplexing. I have written many of them down at the time; others have been recorded by my companions: a selection will convey a more correct idea of their mode of thinking and expression, than any general description.
Many of their questions referred to the exercise of prayer, for punctual attendance to which they have been uniformly distinguished. Prayer for Divine direction accompanied their earliest inquiries on the subject of religion; and when in any district even two or three
156
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were desirous of becoming the disciples of Jesus Christy they were accustomed to associate together for this purpose. Private prayer has long been almost universal, as well as the • practice of imploring a blessing on their food; and although they at first asked whether they must not learn to pray in the English language? whether God would not be angry if they should use in* correct expressions in prayer? or whether, when they had retired to their gardens, or the bushes adjacent to their •dwellings, and were there engaged in prayer, their attention should be diverted by an intruder,' they should leave off or continue? Sometimes they .would ask, whether engaging in conversation, and praying, with very wicked persons, such as had been murderers, &c. would not appear in some degree sanctioning or extenuating their crimes? With more frequency, however, and greater eagerness, they often inquired how they could prevent evil thoughts arising in their minds during seasons of devotion—-how they could avoid repeating words of prayer unattended by devotional desires—and how they could at all times engage the heart in this exercise ? I recollect a father and a mother isking with ardent solicitude, whether it would be right to take their little boy or girl, with them to the bushes or the garden, talk with it in this retirement, and teach it there to pray to God. Prayer in their families was regularly observed; and among the many inquiries in reference to this subject, it was once asked, whether Jesus Christ had family prayer with his disciples, whether among their own domestic establishments, in the event of the sickness or absence of the husband, the wife should not convene the family, and perform this important duty?
POLYNESIAN RSSBARCMS. 157
Portions of scripture history and biography were among the most engaging subjects of inquiry, especially those contained in the Old Testament. Those in the New Testament also interested them. On one occasion, they asked what the heavy burdens were that bur Lord accused the Scribes and Pharisees of binding on men's shoulders; and what was meant by "Let the dead bury their dead." At another time they inquired who were the Scribes, so often mentioned by the Saviour; and asked if they were the secretaries of the Auxiliary Missionary Societies in Jerusalem? &c. This arose from the circumstance of the word, which in English is translated scribe, being in Tahitian rendered writer, and the secretaries of the native Missionary societies being the only individuals among them thus designated.
The usages and customs prevailing among the ancient Jews were often topics of conversation, and more than once they have, with evident sincerity, inquired if their repentance would not be more acceptable to God, were they to rend their garments, and cover their heads with ashes, or gird themselves with sackcloth, than simply expressing their penitence when employed in prayers. This question, with those frequently asked relative to the consequences of mistakes or interruption in prayer, probably arose from the impression left by the system of idolatry they had so recently abandoned, whose only excellency consisted in the correctness of mere external form and ceremony.
In all their idol worship, however large or costly the sacrifices that had been offered, and however hear its dose the most protracted ceremony might be, if the priest omitted or misplaced any word in the prayers with which it was always accompanied, or if his atten-
158
POLYNKSIAN BUSKARCHBS.
tion was diverted by any means, so that the prayer was hai, or broken, the whole was rendered unavailable, he must prepare other victims, and repeat his prayers over from the commencement.
The history of our first parents was frequently brought forward. Sometimes they wanted to know what was the colour of Adam and Eve's skin, or what language they spoke: with regard to the former, their opinions were in accordance with those of the late Bishop Heber; they said it was very likely they were brown or olive-coloured, and, as their descendants, or the descendants of Noah, travelled to hotter climates, they became darker; while those, whose information had removed the belief that our colour was the effect of disease, acknowledged the plausibility of our ancestors having become white from the influence of cold, and a clouded atmosphere, whereby they were shaded from the sun.
More important matters concerning them were however often the subjects of inquiry. They felt interested in their destiny, and asked whether, after the fall, and expulsion from Paradise, they had repented and obtained pardon 5 and at one time, when, in answer to this question, it had been stated that there was reason to believe that they had obtained forgiveness, and were now in heaven, the native immediately inquired further, how Adam's crime could affect his posterity, after the guih contracted by it had been removed even from the perpetrators of that crime ? The origin of moral evil was sometimes introduced. It has been asked at meetings where I have been present, Would Satan have tempted Eve, or would man have fallen, if God had not forbidden our first parents to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge ? To which it was answered, That if God had not
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made that the peculiar test of their obedience, Satan would have found some other medium through which to tempt them to sin.
A man once asked, What caused the angels in heaven to sin, or Satan to become a wicked spirit? He was told that pride was the cause of his fall, but that how pride, entered heaven was not revealed. Another once proposed the following query: You say God is a holy and a powerful being, that Satan is the cause of a vast increase of moral evil or wickedness in the world, by exciting or disposing men to sin. If Satan be only a depend entcreature, and the cause of so much evil, which is displeasing to God, why does not God kill Satan at once, and thereby prevent all the evil of which he is the author ? In answer, he was told that the facts of Satan's dependence on, or subjection to the Almighty, and his yet being permitted to tempt even to evil, were undeniable from the declarations of scripture, and the experience of every one accustomed to observe the operations of his own mind. Such an observer would often find himself exposed to an influence that could be attributed only to satanic agency; but that why he was permitted to exert this influence on man, was not made known in the Bible. We always stated plainly, that it was the contents of that volume which we came to teach them; that the existence of this baneful and often fatal influence was too extensively felt to allow of its being questioned ; that the antidote to the evil it might have already inflicted, and the preservative against its future effects, were pointed out; and that it was wiser, and far more important, to apply to those remedies, than to indulge in unprofitable speculations relative to its origin.
160 POLYNESIAN BBSB4BCUS.
The duration of sufferings inflicted on the wicked in the future state, was occasionally introduced; and more than once I have heard them ask, if none of their ancestors, nor any of the former inhabitants of the islands, had gone to heaven? This, to us and to them, was one of the most distressing discussions upon which we ever entered* To them it was peculiarly so j for we may naturally suppose, the recollection of the individuals whom many of them had perhaps poisoned, murdered without provocation, slain in battle, or killed for sacrifice, would on these occasions forcibly recur to their minds; and at these times, many a parent's heart must have been rent with anguish, to us inconceivn able at the remembrance of those children in whose blood their hands had been imbrued. Besides these sources of intensely painful reflection, there is something overwhelming in the thought of relatives and friends removed from the world of hope and probation, having their doom irrevocably fixed 1 Hence we could perceive a degree of painful emotion among the people, whenever the subject was introduced; and although less intimately affected by this inquiry than those around us, it was to us a most appalling subject—one on which we could not dwell with composure. This, feeling, on their parts, also, has been at times almost overpowering, and has either suspended our conversation, or induced an abrupt transition to some other topic.
lliis is a most distressing consideration and is a subject often brought before a Missionary's mind, from the cirr cumstances into which his engagements lead him, and the intimate connexion of his every effort with the future and eternal destinies of those around him; while it furnishes, next to the love of Christ, one of the most
i
POLYNESIAN RB8KARCRB8.
161
powerful incentives to devotedness and unabated effort. Well might one now engaged in this work exclaim, "Five hundred millions of souls,* who are represented as being unenlightened! I cannot, if I would, give up the idea of being a Missionary, while I reflect upon this vast number of my fellow-sinners, who are perishing for lack of knowledge* 'Five hundred millions 1* intrudes itself upon my mind wherever I go, and however I am employed. When I go to bed, it is the last thing that recurs to my memory; if I awake in the night, it is to meditate upon it alone; and in the morning, it is gene-> rally the first thing that occupies my thoughts."
What mind, under the influence of the unequivocal declarations of the sacred volume, and an acquaintance with the true condition of the heathen, can calmly entertain the thought of the perishing millions of the pagan world ?
We always told those who inquired, that it was not for us to say, what was the actual state of the departed; that of those who died in infancy, we were permitted to cherish the soothing and consolatory hope of their felicity; that those who. survived infancy, had not been without the admonitions of conscience, which had borne a faithful testimony to the character of all their actions; and that on the evidence of that witness they would be acquitted or convicted at the awful bar of God. At the same time assuring them, that whatever crimes they might have to answer for, rejection of the gospel would not be one; though this would, perhaps, involve the heaviest condemnation on their descendants, if by them that gospel was neglected or despised.
* It is estimated that there are more than six hundred millions destitute of the knowledge of the gospel. II. Y
rea
POITRSSIAH RBSBAftCHBS.
Many of their inquiries related to the proper observ-ance of die Sabbath, and under what circumstances it would be proper to launch a canoe or undertake a voyage? This resulted from the king's lister being take* El at Afareaita, while we were residing there; and the natives wishing to send word to her relations, but hesitating because it was the Sabbath. A man once came and said, that while he was attending public worship* a pig broke into his garden ; that on his return, be saw him devouring the sweet potatoes, sugar-cane, taro, and other productions, in which pine-apples were probably included, but that he did not drive it out, because he was convinced it would immediately return, unless he repaired the broken fence, and that he supposed was a kind of labour prohibited on the Sabbath. He therefore a)lowed the pig to remain till he was satisfied, and did not mend the fence till the following morning. He, however, wished to know, and the people in general were evidently interested in the inquiry—whether, in the event of a similar occurrence at any future period, he should do wrong in driving out the animal, and repairing the fence. He was told that the most secure way would be to keep the fence in good repair, but that if pigs should break in on the Sabbath, they ought by all means to be driven out, and the breaches they had made, so far repaired as to secure the enclosure till the following day. A chief of Huahine once asked me whether it would be right, supposing he were walking in his garden on that day, and saw ripe plantains hanging from the trees that grew by the side of the path, to gather and eat them c I answered, that I thought it would not be wrong. I felt inclined to do so, said he, last Sabbath, when walking in my garden; but on reflecting that I had
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168
other fruit ready plucked and prepared, I hesitated,-— not because I believed it would be in itself sinful, but lest my attendants should notice it, and do so too, and it should become a general practice with the people to go. to their gardens, and gather fruit to eat on the Sabbath, which would be very unfavourable to the proper observance of that sacred day.
Their inquiries referred not <mly to historical, biographical, and other facts connected with the .sacred volume, but to those relating to other nations of the earth. The extent of territory, number of inhabitants, colour, language, religion, of the different countries of whom they had heard from occasional visiters, were topics of conversation at these meetings, together with the efforts of Christians to propagate the gospel among them. But the most interesting of these, referred to England 5 and although their recollections of Captain Cook were generally more indistinct, and very different from those entertained by the Sandwich Islanders, he was often alluded to 5 and we were asked, if any mem* bers of his family still survived, and whether they would ever come to the islands. The cities, towns, houses, carriages, dress, and manners of the English, the royal state of king George, the numbers in his army, the evoJ lotions of his troops, the laws of the kingdom, the punishment of crimes, tile principles of commerce, and the extent and variety of manufactures, were at different times brought forward.
Numbers of the natives had indeed visited England* but their observation had been so limited, or their accounts so contradictory and exaggerated, that their countrymen knew not what to believe, and not unfre^ quently, when any of these had returned, the substance
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POLYNESIAN RXfiBARCHXS*
•of their reports was brought to the questioning meet* ing, to receive our confirmation or explanation. The religious character and observances of the English were usually matters of great interest. The dimensions and number of our cathedrals, churches, and chapels, the size of the congregations, the proportion of the population that attended public worship, and the order of the services, were often topics of inquiry or conversation. The experience of those who were true Christians in England, was also introduced; and their remarks on this point, especially when they first became interested in the subject of religion themselves, were often rather amusing. "How happy the Christians in England must be," they would sometimes say.— "So many teachers, so many books, the whole of the Bible in their language, and no idolatry, they must have little else to do but to praise God. Their crimes have never been like ours; they never offered human sacrifices, murdered their infants, &c. Do they ever repent? have they any thing to repent of?" It was, however, only those who were recently awakened to a sense of the enormity of these crimes, and were but very partially informed as to the true state of England, that ever asked such questions as these.
The doctrine of the resurrection of the body has ever appeared to them, as it did when announced by the apostle to the civilized philosophers of Athens, or the. august rulers in the Roman hall of judgment, as a fact astounding or incredible. Of another world, and the existence of the soul in that world after the dissolution of the body, they appear at all times to have entertained some indistinct ideasj but the reanimation of the mouldering bodies of the dead, never seems, even in their
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165
"wildest flights of imagination, to have occurred to them. When first declared by the Missionaries, it merely awakened astonishment, and vras considered as -one among the many novel and striking facts connected with the doctrines which the new religion unfolded. But as the subject was more frequently brought under their notice in public discourse, or in reading the Scriptures, and their minds were more attentively exercised upon it in connexion with their ancestry, themselves, and their descendants, it appeared invested with more than ordi-juury difficulty; bordering, to their apprehension, on impossibility. On this, as well as other equally important points, their queries, from native simplicity •and entire ignorance, were sometimes both puerile and amusing.
A number of the attendants on the queen's sister, soon after their reception of Christianity, came to the meeting, and stated that one of their friends had died a few days before, and that they had buried the corpse according to their ancient manner, not laying it straight in a coffin, as Christians were .accustomed to do, but placing it in a sitting posture, with the face between the knees, the hands uuder the thighs, and the whole body bound round with cords. Since the interment, (they added,) they had been thinking about the resurrection, mid wished to know how the body would then appear, 'Whether, if left in that manner, it would not rise deformed, and whether they had not better disinter the corpse, and deposit it in a straight or horizontal position* A suitable reply was of course returned. They were directed to let it remain undisturbed— that probably long before the resurrection it would be so completely dissolved, and mingled with the surrounding
166
POLYNESIAN. RJESBARCHBa,
•earth, that no trace would be left of the form in which it had been deposited.
Questions of this kind were only presented during the first stages of their christian progress, and they were not frequent, in general their inquiries were exceedingly interesting. The time when, the means by which, the attending cirenmstances, and the manner of the resurrection, the recognition of friends, the identity of the bodies of adults, and whether the souls of infants would be united to infant bodies, and whether they would be as inferior in the future state, as their powers and faculties appeared in this, often furnished matter for hours of interesting conversation*
There were, however, other points of inquiry peculiarly affecting to themselves* Many of their relatives or countrymen had been devoured by sharks; a limb or large portion of the fleshy part of the body of others, had been destroyed by these savage fish. A constant attendant on these meetings at Afareaitu had, while we resided there, one side of his face torn on^ and eaten by one. The sharks, that had eaten men, were perhaps afterwards caught, and became food for the natives, who might themselves be devoured by other sharks. Cannibalism, though eonie deny its having been practised among themselves, is supposed to have existed in one of the islands at least, and is knownv and universally acknowledged to prevail among those by which they are surrounded; and it is not considered by them improbable that some of their own countrymen have been eaten by the islanders among whom they have, from stress of weather, been cast. Tne men who had eaten their fellow-men, might, and perhaps often, were, (as many of the cannibals inhabit
J*OLYNB6IAN RStBARCHB8. 167
the low coralline islands, and live by fishing,) eaten by sharks, which would sometimes be caught and eaten by the inhabitants of distant islands*
After urging these, and corresponding inquiries which had exercised their minds, they would ask, After all these processes of new combination, will the original parts of every human body be reunited at the resur-ection? &c. On such occasions, the truth of the doctrine of the resurrection was exhibited, as demon* strated by the resurrection of Lazarus and of Christ; the identity of our Lord's body, by his subsequent Intercourse with the disciples, especially with Thomas; and the certainty of the general resurrection presented, as deduced from the numerous and explicit declarations of Scripture, and the reasoning of the inspired writers. The identity of the body was stated as being consistent with the character and moral government of God, which appeared to require that the same body which had suffered for or in his cause on earth, should be glorified in heaven; and that the same body which in union with the soul had been employed in rebellion and vice, should suffer the just consequences in a future state. The declarations of Scripture on this momentous point, always appeared to be satisfactory; and although the circumstances of the resurrection, and the manner by which parts of the same body would be united, &c. were inquiries pursued with deepest interest, we generally found them terminate in expressions of desire that they might be prepared, rise with glorified bodies, and come forth from their graves "to the resurrection of life/*
In connexion with this subject, and others of a similar kind, the most important referred to what
168 POLYNBSIAN RBSBARCHB&
might be called their Christian experience—the effect of texts of Scripture committed to memory, in stimulating to duty, and restraining from sin. Often they would ask, "How can we attain true repentance, and a change of heart? How may we know that we are not deceiving ourselves? How can we be preserved from forsaking God and committing sin? We desire genuine faith; where can we obtain it? Once they observed—Adam fell in Paradise, and angels fell even in heaven itself; how then can we be preserved from sinning against God? Tell us how we may be safe from Satan?—how we may be safe for heaven, and secure of admission there ?" I refrain from comments on the numerous inquiries brought forward at these meetings, which have been proved essentially serviceable to the nation—stimulating inquiry, giving a proper direction to their researches after truth, expanding the mind and strengthening the intellect, yet restraining them within the limitations of revelation. Their inquiries shew, if evidence were wanting, that their mental capabilities are not contemptible, and demonstrate the influence of the highest order of Christian principles upon the exercise of the mind and the affections of the heart.
Mr. Orsmond having removed to Raiatea in the close of 1816, and Mr. Nott to Tahiti in the summer of 1819, those of us who remained at Huahine endeavoured to engage as extensively as possible in the instruction of the people. We therefore went to several of the remote villages to preach to the people on the Sabbath, and frequently visited the district of Maeva, situated on the margin of an extensive lake, surrounded by most rich and varied scenery.
POLYNESIAN RBSKARCHKS.
m
Among the singularly beautiful and diversified vegetable productions that adorn the banks of the lake, the sacred aoa deserves particular attention; it stands near the large temple of Tane, at Tamapna, and is one of the most ancient and extensive that I have met with in the islands. In its growth, the aoa resembles the banian tree of the Bast, and is probably a variety of the species. The bark has a light tinge and shining appearance, the leaf lance-shaped and small, of a beautiful pea-green colour. It is an evergreen, and is propagated by slips or branches, which readily take root. When the stem of the young tree is about two or three inches in diameter, the bark, immediately below the branches, which generally spread from the trunk, about six feet above the ground, begins to open near the lower part of the limbs* A number of fine yellow pointed roots protrude, and increase in ske and length every year. The branches grow horizontally, and rather bending than otherwise: from different parts of these, fibres shoot forth through the bursting bark, and hang like finedark-brown threads. The habits of growth m these pendulous roots are singular. Sometimes they appear lake a single line, or rope, reaching irom the highest branches nearly to the ground, where they terminate in a bunch of spreading fibres, not unlike a tassel. At other times, while there is one principal fibre, a number of others branch off from this at unequal distances, from its insertion in the bough above, and tenninate in a cluster of small fibres. The different (threads are aometisnes separate from each other lor a considerable distance, and, near the bottom, unite in one single too*.
As soon as these depending fibres reach the ground, they take root, and, in the course of a number of years,
II. Z
170 POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
become solid stems, covered with a bark resembling that of the original tree, and forming so many natural pillars to the progressively extending branches above.
By this singular process, the aoa, at Tamapua, appears more like a clump or grove than a single tree. The original stem was joined by one or two, of such dimensions, that it was not easy to distinguish the parent from the offspring, and the fibres that had united with the ground, and thus became so many trunks or stems of the tree, covered a space many yards in circumference. The lateral branches continue to extend, and tendrils of every length and size are seen in all directions depending from them, appearing as if in time it would cover the face of the country with a forest, which yet should be but one tree.
The most remarkable appearance, however, which the aoa presents, is when it grows near some of the high mountain precipices that often occur in the islands. A short distance from Buaoa, where the rocks are exceedingly steep, and almost perpendicular for a hundred feet, or more, an aoa appears to have been planted near the foot of the rocky pile, and the tender fibres protruded from the branches being nearer the rocks at the side than the ground below, have been attracted towards the precipice. From this, fresh nourishment has been derived, the tree has continued to ascend and throw out new fibres still higher, till it has reached the top. Here a branching tree has flourished, exhibiting all the peculiarities of the aoa; while the root, and that part growing along the face of the rock, resembles a strong interwoven hedge, extending from the base to the summit of the precipice.
The account of the origin of this tree is one of the
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171
most fabulous of native legends: it states that the moon is diversified with hill and valley like our earth, that it is adorned with trees, and among these the aoa, the shadow of whose spreading branches, the Polynesians suppose, occasions the dark parts in her surface. In ancient times, they state that a bird flew to the moon, and plucked the berries of the aoa j these are smaller than grapes j the bird readily carried them, and flying over the islands, dropped some of the seeds, which, germinating in the soil, produced the aoa tree. It was considered sacred, and frequently planted in the neighbourhood or precincts of the marae. The large one at Tamapua was supposed to be a frequent resort of the god; and the human sacrifices offered in the temple beneath, were usually suspended among its branches. A common imprecation was, E tan oe ite amaa toro % momona ; " You will hang in the branch stretching towards Momona," a spot beneath one of the principal branches.
The cottage erected for my lodging, when visiting the district of Mae va, was within a few yards of this tree, and the chapel stood within the precincts of the ancient idol temple. I have often conversed with the people respecting it, and they have said that the most appalling horrors filled their minds, if they approached the tree or the pile after dark; that when they have pushed their light canoe along the adjacent lake, they have, as an act of reverence, uncovered the upper part of their persons, and almost trembled with fear till they had safely passed. Considering the dark and gloomy appearance of the temple, the wide extent, dense shade, fantastic shape, and grotesque appearance of the tortuous fibrous roots or trunks of the aoa, it is not surprising that the superstitious natives should be under the influence of those
172 POLYNESIAN RS8BABCBBS.
feelings* especially if it be is recollected that there were few seasons when a human body was not suspended from some of the branches, to propitiate the deity of the place.
The aoa was not entirely devoted to the nurture of that debasing superstition by which the people were oppressed. With the thin slender twigs or young branches of this tree, a strong kind of cloth was made, which they called era, or aoa, and which, on account of its durability, was highly esteemed.
Garments made with the bark of a tree constituted the principal article of native dress, prior to the introduction of foreign cloth. It is manufactured chiefly by females, and was one of their most frequent employments. The name for cloth, among the Tahitians, is aha. The Sandwich Island word tapa, is, we believe, never used in this sense, but signifies a part of the human body. In the manufacture of their cloth, the natives of the South Sea Islands use a greater variety of materials than their neighbours in the northern group: the bark of the different varieties of wauti, or paper mulberry, being the only article used by the latter; while the former employ not only the bark of the paper mulberry, which they call auti, but also that of the aoa and of the bread-fruit.
The process of manufacture is much the same in all, though some kinds are sooner finished than others. When the bark from the branches of the bread-fruit or auti is used, the outer green or brown rind is scraped off with a shell; it is then slightly beaten, and allowed to ferment, or is macerated in water. A stout piece of wood, resembling a beam, twenty or thirty feet long, and from six to nine inches square, with a groove cut in the under side, is fixed on the ground; across
POLYNESIAN BJ36BARCHB9. 173
this, the bark is laid and beaten with a heavy mallet of casuarina or iron-wood. The mallet is usually fifteen or eighteen indies long, about two inches square, and round at one end, for the purpose of being held firmly. The sides of the mallet are grooved; one side very coarse or large, the opposite aide exceedingly fine. One of the remaining sides is generally cut in chequers or small squares, and the other is plain or ribbed. The
Tikitian Cloth Mallet.
bark is placed lengthwise across the long piece of wood, and beaten first with the rough side of the mallet, and then with those parts that are finer.
Vegetable gum is rarely employed; in general, the resinous matter in the bark is sufficiently adhesive. The fibres of the bark are most completely interwoven by the frequent beating with the grooved or chequered side of the mallet; and when the piece is finished, the texture of the cloth is often remarkably fine and even, and the inequalities occasioned by the fine grooves, or small squares, give it the appearance of woven cloth. During the process of its manufacture, &e cloth is kept saturated with moisture, and carefully wrapped in thick green leaves every time the workwomen leave off; but as Boon as It is finished, they spread it to dry in the sun, and bleach it according to the purpose for which it is designed. The ore, or doth, made with the bark of the aoa, is usually very thin, and of a dark brown colour;
174 POLYNESIAN RESBARCHBS.
that made with the bark of the bread-fruit and a mixture of the auti, is of a light brown and sometimes fawn colour; but the finest and most valuable kind is called hobu. It is made principally, and sometimes entirely, with the bark of the paper mulberry, and is bleached till it is beautifully white. This is chiefly worn by the females.
It is astonishing that they should be able, by a process so simple, to make bales, containing sometimes two hundred yards of cloth, four yards wide 5 the whole in one single piece, made with strips of bark seldom above four or five feet long, and, when spread open, not more than an inch and a half broad—joined together simply by beating it with the grooved mallet. When sufficiently bleached and dried, it is folded along the whole length, rolled up into a bale, and covered with apiece of matting, —this is called rum vehe. The wealth of a chief is sometimes estimated by the number of these covered bales which he possesses. The more valuable kinds of cloth are rolled up in the same way, covered with matting or cloth of an inferior kind, and generally suspended from some part of the roof of the chiefs house* The estimation in which it was held has been greatly diminished since they have become acquainted with European cloth, and large quantities are now seldom made. It is, however, still an article in general use among the lower classes of society, and the mother yet continues to beat her parure, or native pareu, for herself and children.
A number of smaller pieces are still made, among which the tiputa is one of the most valuable. It is prepared by beating a number of layers of cloth together, to render it thicker than the common cloth: for
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHED 175
the outside layer, they select a stout branch of the auti, or bread-fruit, about an inch and a half in diameter: thiB they prepare with great attention, and, having beaten it to the usual width and length, which is about ten feet long and three feet wide, they fix it on the outside, and attach it to the others by rubbing a small portion of arrow-root on the inner side, before beating it together. The tiputa of the Tahitians corresponds exactly with the poncho of the South Americans. It is rather longer, but is worn in the same manner, having a hole cut in the centre, through which, when worn, the head is passed j while the garment hangs down over the shoulders, breast, and back, usually reaching, both before and behind, as low as the knees. Next to the tiputa, the ahufara is a general article of dress. These are either square like a shawl, or resemble a scarf. They are sometimes larger, and correspond with a counterpane more than a shawl, and are always exceedingly splendid and rich in their colours.
The natives of the Society Islands have a variety of vegetable dyes, and display more taste in the variations and patterns of the cloth, than in any other use of colours. Much of the common cloth is dyed either with the bark of the aito, casuarina, or tiairi, akurite*. This gives it a kind of dark red or chocolate colour, and is supposed to add to its durability. The leaves of the arum are sometimes used, but brilliant red and yellow are their favourite hues. The former, which they call mati, is prepared by mixing the milky juice of the small berry of the mati, ficusprolixa, with the leaves of the tou, a species of cor-<&*. When the dye is prepared by this combination, it is absorbed on the fibres of a kind of rush, and dried for use. It produces a most brilliant scarlet dye,
176 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
which, when preserved with a Tarnish of gum, retains its brightness till the garment is worn out. The yellow it prepared from the inner bark of the root of the nana, morinda citrtfbtia, and though far more fugitive than the scarlet of the mati, is an exceedingly bright colour. The yellow dye is prepared by infusing the bark of the mot in water, in which the doth is allowed to remain till completely saturated, when it is dried m the sun. The mnti, or scarlet dye, is moistened with water, and laid on the dry cloth. Their patterns are fixed with the scarlet dye on a yellow ground, and were formerly altogether devoid of uniformity or regularity, yet still exhibiting considerable taste. They now fix a border round tite afcufara, and arrange the patterns in different parts. Nature, and not art, supplies thepattern. They select some of the most delicate and beautiful Jems, or the hibiscus flowers: when the dye is prepared, they lay the lca£ or the flower, carefully on the dye; as aeon as the surface is covered with the colouring matter, they fix the stained leaf or flower, with ite leaflets or petals correctly adjusted en the cloth, and press it gradually and regularly down. When it ja removed, the imp nee* sfam is often beautiful and dear.
The scarf or jhawl, and the tiputa, ase the only dresses prepared in this way, and it is difficult to conceive of the dazzling and imposing appearance of such a dress, loosely folded round the person of a handsome chieftain <rf the Soin* Sea Islands, who perfectly understands how to exhibit k to the best advantage. This land of doth is made better by the Tsnitians than any ether inhabitants of the Pacific* It is- not, however, equal to the wairiirii of the Sandwich Islanders. Much of this cloth, beautifully painted, is now employed in
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their houses for bed and window curtains, &c. Several kinds of strong cloth are finished with a kind of gum or varnish, for the purpose of rendering them impervious.
But in the fabrication of glazed cloth, the natives of the Austral Islands, especially those of Rurutu, excel all with whom I am acquainted. Some of the pieces of cloth are thirty or forty yards square, exceedingly thick, and glazed'on both sides, resembling on the upper side the English oil-cloth table-covers. It must have required immense labour to prepare it, yet it was abundant when they were first discovered. It is usually red on one side, and black on the other, the latter being highly varnished with a vegetable gum.
In the manufacture of cloth, the females of all ranks were' employed; and the queen, and wives of the chiefs of the highest rank, strove to excel in some department—in the elegance of the pattern, or the brilliancy of the colour. They are fond of society, and worked in large parties, in open and temporary houses erected for the purpose. Visiting one of these houses at Eimeo, I saw sixteen or twenty females all employed. The queen sat in the midst, surrounded by several chief women, each with a mallet in her hand, beating the bark that was spread before her. The queen worked as diligently and cheerfully as any present.
The spar or square piece of wood on which the bark is beaten, being hollow on the under-side, every stroke produces a loud sound, and the noise occasioned by sixteen or twenty mallets going at one time, was to me almost deafening; while the queen and her friends seemed not only insensible to any inconvenience from it, but quite amused at its appa-ii. 2 a
178 FOLTKK8IAN RKSBARCHBS.
rent effect on ub. The found of the cloth-beating mallet is not disagreeable; where heard at a distance, in some of the retired valleys, indicating the abode of industry and peace; but in the cloth-houses it is hardly possible to endure it.
As the wives or daughters of the chiefs take * pride in manufacturing superior cloth, the queen would often have feh it derogatory to her rank, if any other females in the island could have finished a piece of doth better than herself. I remember in the island of Huehine, when a native once pftatetct by*, wotting a beautiful ahu-fera, hearing one native woman remark to another— What a finely printed shawl that is! The figures on it are like the work, or the marking, of the queen! Tut desire* among persons in high stations, to excel in departments of labour, is what we have always admired* This feeling probably led Pomace to bettow so much attention on hie hand-writing, and induced the lung of the Sandwich Islands to request that we would not fetch any of the people till we had felly instructed him in reading and writing.
The efcv or cloth mod* with the bark of a tree, although exceedingly perishable when compared with European woven eloth, yet furnished* while it lasted* a lfefct and loose dress, adapted to the cnmato, and the habits of the people* The duration of a Tahitian dross depended upon the materials with which it wan made> the one being considered the strongest* Only the highly vacnished kinds were proof against wet. The beauty of the. variant kinds of pointed cloth was soon marred; and the tenter* destroyed, by the rain, as they were kept together simply by the adhesion of the interwoven fibres of the bark. Notwithstanding this, a
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tipnta, or a good strong pareu, when preserved from wet» would last several months. Though the native cloth worn by the inhabitants was made by the women, there were some kinds used in the temples* in the service of the idols, which were made by men* and which it was necessary, according to the declarations of the priest, should be beaten during the night.
Although the manufacture of cloth was formerly the principal, it was not the only occupation of the females. Many of the people, especially the raateirae, or secondary chiefs, wore a kind of mat made with the bark of the hibiscus, which they call purau; and the preparation of this, as well as the beds or sleeping mats, occupied much of the time of the females. Great attend tion was paid to the manufacture of these fine mats. They chose for this purpose, the young shoots of the hibiscus, and having peeled off the bark, and immersed it in water, placed it on a board, the outer rind being scraped off with a smooth shell. The strips of bark were an inch or an inch and a half wide, and about four feet long, and when spread out and dry, looked like so many white ribands. The bark was etat into narrow strips frequently less than the eighth of an inch wide. They were woven by the hand, and without any loom or machinery. They commenced the weaving at one comer, and having extended it to the proper width, which was usually three or four feet, continued the work till the mat was about nine or ten feet long, when the projecting ends of the bark were carefully removed, and a fine fringe worked round the edges.— Only half the pieces of bark used in weaving were split into narrow strips throughout their whole length. The others were slit five or six inches at
180 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
the ends where they commenced, while the remaining part was rolled up like a riband. These they unrolled, and extended the slits as the weaving advanced, until the whole was complete. When first finished, they are of a beautifully white colour, and are worn only by the men, either bound round the loins as a pareu, or with an aperture in the centre as a tiputa or poncho, and sometimes as a mantle thrown loosely over the shoulder. Their appearance is light and elegant, and they are remarkably durable, though they become yellow from exposure to the weather.
The inhabitants of the Palliser Islands, to the eastward of Tahiti, exceed the Society Islanders in the quality of their mats, which are made of a tough white rush or grass, exceedingly fine and beautiful. They frequently manufacture a sort of girdle, called Tiheri, six inches in width, and sometimes twenty yards in length, but remarkably fine and even, being woven by the hand, but with a degree of regularity rivalling the productions of the loom. They are highly valued by the Tahitians, and are a principal article of commerce between the inhabitants of the different islands.
The sails for their canoes, and beds on which they sleep, are a coarser kind of matting made with the leaves of different varieties of palm, or pandanus, found in the islands. Some kinds grow spontaneously, others are cultivated for their leaves. The matting sails are much lighter than canvass, but far less durable. The size and quality of the sleeping mats is regulated by the skill of the manufacturer, or the rank of the proprietor. Those who excel in making them, use very fine ones themselves. They are all woven by the hand, yet finished with remarkable regularity and neatness.
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- The ordinary mats are not more than six feet wide, and nine or twelve feet long, but some are twelve feet
* wide, and sixty or eighty, or even a hundred yards long.
Mats of this size, however, are only made for high chiefs, and in the preparation, perhaps, the females of several districts have been employed. They are kept rolled up, and suspended in some part of the chief's dwelling, more for the purpose of displaying his wealth, and the number of his dependents, than for actual use.
i The kinds of leaf least liable to crack, are selected,
and, for the purpose of sleeping upon, or even spreading on a floor, the use to which we generally applied them, the mats look neat, and last a considerable time. Several kinds of fine matting, ornamented with bright stained rushes interwoven with the others, were formerly made as articles of dress for the kings, or presents to the gods; but in this department of labour they were always inferior to the Sandwich Islanders, whose variegated mats are superior to any I have seen in the Pacific. Weaving of mats, with beating and staining of cloth, was the chief occupation of the females. A large portion of the property of the people consisted in mats and cloth, which also constituted part of their household furniture.
A variety of other articles were, however, necessary to the furnishing of their houses, but these were manufactured by the men. Next to a sleeping mat, a pillow was. considered essential. This was of hard wood, and often exceedingly rude, though sometimes ingeniously wrought, resembling a short low stool, nine inches or a foot in length, and four or five inches high. The upper side was curved, to admit the head; the whole pillow, which they call tuaurua, is cut out of a single piece. Upon the bare wood they reclined their heads
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POLYNBSIAN RB6BARCHBS.
at night, and slept as soundly as the inhabitants of more civilized parts would do on the softest down.
In general, they sat cross-legged on mats spread on the floor; but occasionally used a stool, which they called trt or nok&raa. This resembled the pillow in shape, and, though much larger, was made out of a single piece of wood. The tamanu, or caltophyUwn, was usually selected, and immense trees must have been cut down for this purpose. I hare seen iris four or five, feet long, three feet wide, and at each end three feet six inches high ; yet the whole cut out of one solid piece of timber. The upper part was curved, and the extremes being highest, the seat resembled the concave tide of a crescent, so tha^ however large it might be, only one sat on it at a time. The iri was finely polished, and the wood, in its grain and colour resembling the best hind* of mahogany, rendered it, although destitute of carving or other ornament, a handsome piece of furniture in a chieftain's dwelling. The rank of the host warn often indicated by the size of this seat, which was uses* on public occasions, or for the accommodation of a dis». tingtrished guest. Those in more ordinary use were low, and less curved, but always made out of a single piece of wood.
Next to these, their weapons, drums, and other musical instruments, were their most important furniture; a great portion, however, of what might be called their household furniture, was appropriated to the preparation or preservation of their mod.
The umeie, or dish, was the principal. Sometimes it was exceedingly large, resembling a canoe or boat more than a dish for mod. It was foequently made with the wood of the tamanu, exceedingly well polished; some
FOLYNttSIAN RB6SABCHBS.
188
were six or eight feet long, a foot and a half wide, and twehre inches deep, these belonged only to the chiefs, and were used for the preparation of arrow-root, cocoa-nut milk, &c. on occasions of public festivity. The umefees in ordinary use were oval, about two or three feet long, eighteen inches wide, and of varied depth. They were supported by four feet, cut out of the same piece of wood, and serve not only for the preparation of their food, but as dishes, upon which it is placed when taken from the oven.
Hie pcpahia is extensively used. It is a low solid block or stool, supported by four short legs, and smoothly polished on the top. It is cut out of one piece of wood, and is used instead of a mortar for pounding bread-fruit, plantains, or bruising taro; which is done by placing these upon the papahia, and beating them with a short stone pestle called a pen*. This is usually made with a black sort of basalt, found chiefly in the island of Maurua, the most western of the group. The penu is sometimes constructed from a species of porous coral.*
The water used for washing their feet is kept in bottles called aano, made from the shells of large and full-grown cocoa-nuts. That which they drink is contained in calabashes, which are much larger than any I ever saw used for the same purpose in the Sandwich Islands, but destitute of ornament. They are kept in nets of cinet, and suspended from some part of the dwelling.
The drinking cups are made with the cocoa-nut shell after it is full grown, but before it is perfectly ripe. The shell is then soft, and is scraped until much thinner than a saucer, and frequently transparent. They are of
• A fine specimen of that kind of penu which I procured at Rnrotu, it deposited in the Missionary museum at Austin Friars.
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POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
a yellow colour, and plain, though the cups formerly-used for drinking ava were carved. These are the principal utensils in the preparation of their food; they are kept remarkably clean, and, when not in use, suspended from some part of the dwelling, or hung upon a stand.
The fata, or stand, is a single light post planted in the floor, with one or two projections, and a notch on the top, from which, the calabashes of water, baskets of food, umetes, &c. are suspended. Great labour was formerly bestowed on this piece of furniture, and the fata pua was considered an ornament to the house in which it was erected. About a foot from the ground, a projection extended six or eight inches wide, completely round, flat on the top, but concave on the under side, in order to prevent rats. or mice from ascending and gaining access to the food. Their only knife was a piece of bamboo-cane, with which they would cut up a pig) dog, or fish, with great facility.
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185
CHAP. VH.
Station at Maeva—Appearance of the lake and surrounding scenery-Ruin* of temples, and other vestiges of idolatry—General view of Polynesian mythology—Ideas relative to the origin of the world— Polytheism—Traditionary theogony—Taaroa supreme deity—Different orders of gods—Oro, &c gods of the wind, the ocean, etc*—Gods of artificers and fishermen—Oramatnas, or demons—Emblems—Images—Urn, or feathers—Temples—Worship—Prayers—Offerings—Sacrifices—Occasional and stated festivals and worship—Rau-mata-vehi-raa Mani-fitta —Bites for recovery from sickness Offering of first-fruits—The Pae ▲ton—The ripening of the year, a religions ceremony—Singular rites attending its close.
As soon as we had acquired a sufficient knowledge of the native language to engage in public teaching, while we alternately performed the regular services at the settlement in Fare, we formed branch stations in different parts of the island.
Two were commenced on the west and southern coast, ▼iz. one in the beautiful, fertile, and formerly populous valley of Mahapu, and the other in the extensive district of Porta. Schools were opened under approved native teachers at each of these places. In the former three hundred scholars were instructed by Narii, a well qualified teacher. The inhabitants erected neat places of worship. Mr. Barff performed divine service at each station alternately every other Sabbath; and between three and four hundred attended.
ii. 2b'
186 POLYNESIAN RKSBARCHKS.
A similar branch-station was commenced at Tamabua, a populous and central village in the district of Maeva, on the borders of a beautiful and extensive roto, or lake, of the same name, in the northern part of the island. Here a school was opened by Tiori, an intelligent native, and three hundred and eighty adults and children were taught. A commodious native chapel was built, and a cottage for the accommodation of the Missionary who visited them.
It was a considerable distance from Fare $ I went on the Saturday afternoon* and spent the Sabbath at Maeva, Where upwards of four hundred usually attended pub-Ac worship. We continued our labours at these stations until the summer of 1820, when ihe greater part of the residents were induced to remove to the eet-tiemettt at Fare fcarfeour. Some of the happiest tea-sons I have enjoyed in Missionary occupations, were in connexion with my occasional services at this place. TThe scenery e€ the adjaoeirt oounfry 1b remarkably fee. %e lake of -M«eva 4s we m£e* in length, and «f unequal breadth, through often two mites wide. Un-agitate* by the long ratting faillowft rf tbe Macrae, and seldom ruffled by the northern and eastern fereefeea, ftom which tt is vitaitered by mountains, to sorface was often soth as a polished mirror, reflecting the groves aroaua, and ike heavens above* it abounds wfth nsh. T-heae *ec«nlf «upt>fcr tfce inhabitants of the border ef the lake wish tale means «f aubsistence, but, when viewed from the 4ight canoe, sals 4bey eyortcd in the dep&s %e-Ueath, or leaped above its surface, enttrenedtts aotitude. Cm4he<ea*tern«kfe,a nunaber*of streams rose among "thte mountains, and* Winding their way through the ralteys, at length united with its waters. Cm this side, though the
FDLYNSSIAN SBSBAftCnHS. 187
ascent from it* margin to the distant mountains was generally gradual, it was sometimes abrupt and bold t the rocky precipice*, adorned with pendulous and creeping plants, rich in verdant foliage or clustering flowers, rose almost perpendicularly from the water j the bills were ornamented with clumps of the graceful cypress-shaped caauarin*; and in the narrow border of towlend, tha$ in many parts extended from the shores to the foot of the mountains, the h&ww iiUattm, the httwka jpfowftta, the iwKWput, and oftejr trees of larger growth, rested their majestic forme, and spread their etatejy branches, clothed with dark and glossy foliage, while round their gigantic stems, and spread from hough to bough, the beautiful and large beU-flowering cenvolvolns, was often hung in wild luxuriant wreathe*
The walk from Fare to the bead of tl*e lake was delightful; fur more than a mile, |t was actually under what die natives call the mam wb breadVfrujt shade, large groves of this useful tree growing on each side of the path. A number of small plantations give yarinftr to the wild scenery, and many pf the rwtirafi, or inferior chiefs, have erected their dwellings near the path* Hautia Ud, when we first arrived, a noble house standing at the southern end of the lake. Along the eastern shorn, small villages were seen amidst a grow qf coee*-nut and bread-fruit trees. A succession of agveeahlc sensations has arisen in my mind on a Saturday aJterr noon, when passing along the lake in my canoe, which .was paddled by two native attendants. I have seen the columns of smoke curling up among the bflead-rfruit trees, where the inhabitants were dressing their food for the following day. Sometimes I have veeejtatd their salutations from the shore; and, in contrast with their
188 POLYNESIAN RS8BARCHKS.
peaceful dwellings, and their present occupation, I have often been struck with the appearance of the villages, the dilapidated family maraes, or idol-temples, mouldering in ruins on almost every projecting point.
The western side of this extensive lake is bordered by a low flat tract of land, in many places a mile wide, extending from south to north. At the northern extremity of this beautiful piece of water, there is a narrow channel, by which it communicates with the sea. The western side, though very different from the opposite shore, adds to the variety of the scenery; it is thickly wooded, and among the trees that reach the highest perfection, the cocoa-nut, waving its crown of elegant leaves, and the no less elegant casuarina, whose boughs hang in arches over the water, are most conspicuous. The eastern side was doubtless originally the shore of the sea, and the lake filled by its waters, while the low border of the land on the opposite side constituted the reef. After the reef reached the level of the sea at high-water, it ceased to ascend, but spread horizontally; fragments of coral, and pieces of wood, were thrown upon its widened surface, till at length it resisted the shock of the ocean, and the waves rolled back without overflowing it. Every year increased the substances accumulated on its surface; vegetation at length commenced, and the process of organization and decomposition, accelerated by the humidity of the atmosphere and the warmth of the climate, formed the mould, in which the trees, at present covering it, spread their roots and find their nourishment.
But the most conspicuous and picturesque object, in connexion with the lake scenery, is moua tabu, sacred or devoted mountain, which rises on the eastern shore
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189
near the northern end. It is a beautiful and almost regular cone, partially covered with trees and bushes, even to its summit, while the shining basaltic or volcanic rocks, occasionally projecting through the cypress or pine-growing casuarina, add to the novel and agreeable diversity itfiich its figure produces. The northern shore of the roto, or lake, of Maeva, was the favourite residence of many of the native kings. Here, also, the chief who governed the island after the last visit of Captain Cook, resided, and erected a house for Mai, or Omai, that he might be near him. The shores, and even the smooth surface of the lake itself, have been the scene of. some of the most sanguinary battles that.have been fought between rival parties on the island, or the people of Huahine and those of Raiatea and Borabora. Near its margin, on a rising ground, the ruins of one of the.largest artificial fortifications in the group still remain.
But it is not so distinguished by any of these as by the vestiges of the ancient superstition of the island which every where abound. Temples to the gods of the water were erected on every point of land, and family maraes in almost every grove, while the extensive national temples of Oro and Tane stood near the northern extremity of the lake, where the greater number of human sacrifices were offered, where the idols were usually kept, and the. national religious assemblies convened.
Every object around the lake, and every monument of art or labour, in the district of Maeva, bore marks of its connexion with their ancient religion. I have often visited the ruins of the large national temple of Tane, and the site of the house of Oro, and in my intercourse
190 POLYNESIAN RBSEARCHB8.
with the people of Maeva, at the meeting for inquiries, these were frequent topics of conversation.
It may, perhaps, he welt hi this place, to introduce some account of the mythology of the islanders, and the principal features of their system of idolatry, although so many incidental notices of the same have already occurred; that it has heen in some degree anticipated*
Like that of all the ancient idolatrous nations, the mythology of the South Sea Islanders is but an assemblage of obscure fables brought by the first settlers, or originated in remarkable facts of their own history, and handed down by tradition through successive generations. If so much that is mysterious and fabulous has been mingled with the history of those nations among whom hieroglyphics or the use of letters has prevailed, it might he expected to exist in a greater degree, where oral communication, and that often under the fantastic garb of rode poetry, is the only mode of preserving the traditional knowledge of former times*
Distinguished, however, as the Polynesian mythology is by confusion and absurdity, it is not more so than Hie ancient systems of some of the most enlightened and cultivated pagan nations, of the past or present time^ It was not more characterized by mystery and fable, than by its abominations and its cruelty. Its objects of wor~ ship were sometimes monsters of wiquity. They had "lords many and gods ma*y," but seldom attributed to them any moral attributes. Among the multitude of their gods, there was no one whom they regarded as a supreme intelligence or presiding spiritual being, pos* sessing any moral perfections, resembling those which are inseparable from every sentiment we entertain of the true God.
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191
Like the most ancient nations, they ascribe the origin of all things to a state of chaos, or darkness, and even the first existence of their principal deities refer to this source. Taaroa, Oro, and Tane, with other deities of the highest order, are on this account said to he fimtm po> born of Night. But the origin of the gods, and their priority of existence in comparison with the formation of the earth, being a matter of uncertainty even among the native priests, involves die whole in the greatest obscurity, laaroa, 4he Tanaiea of the Hawaiane, and the Tangaroa of the W«sstejai Isles, is generally spoken of by the Tahkiaas as the first principal god, tmcveated, and existing from the begin* ning, or from the time fee emerged from the pa, or world of darkness.
Several of their taata-paari, or wise men, pretend that, according to other traditions, Taaroa was osdy a man who was deified after death. By some he is spoken of as the progenitor of the other gods, the creator of the heavens, the earth, the sea, man, hearts, iswJs, Ashes, Ac.; while by others it is stated, that the existence of Hie land, or the "universe, was anterior to that of the gods*
These deea not appear t© he any thing in the Tahitmn «5*hology<»twspondiiig with the doctrine of lbs Trinity, or the Hindoo tradition of Brahma, Yishnou, and Siva. Taaroa was the fonner aid the father of the gods; Ore was ak first eon: hut there were three -classes or orders between Taasoa and Oeo. As in the iheogony of the ancients* a hird was a frequent emblem of deity; and in the .body of a *rird they supposed the god often approached the marae, where it left the bird, and entered the taoyQx image* through which it waa supnosed to communioate with the priest.
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POLYNESIAN RBSBARCAES.
The gods and men, the animals, the air, earth, and sea, were hy some supposed to originate in the procreative power of the gods. One of the legends of their origin and descent, furnished to some of the Missionaries, by whom it has been recorded, states, that Taaroa was born of Night, or proceeded from Chaos, and was not made by any other god. His consort, Ofeufeumaiterai, also uncreated, proceeded from the po, or night. Oro, the great national idol of Tahiti, Eimeo, and some of the Leeward Islands, was the son of Taaroa and Ofeufeumaiterai. Oro took a goddess to wife, who became tbe mother of two sons. These four male and two female deities constituted the whole of their highest rank of divinities, according to the traditions of the priests of Tahiti—-though the late king informed Mr. Nott that there was another god, superior to them all, whose name was Rumia; he did not, however, meet with any of their priests or bards who knew any thing about him.
Raa was also ranked among the principal deities; although inferior to Taaroa and Oro, he was supposed to be an independent being; but nothing of consequence is ascribed to him in the native fables. His wife, Otupapa, who was also a divinity, bore him three sons and two daughters. Tane, the tutelar idol of Huahine, was also numbered among the uncreated gods, considered as having proceeded from the state of Night, or Qiaos. His goddess was called Taufairei. They were the parents of eight sons, who were all classed with the most powerful gods, and received the highest honours. Among the sons of Tane wasTemeharo, the tutelar deity of Pomare's family.
The most popular traditions in the Leeward Islands differed in several minor points from the above, which
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193
prevailed in the windward group. According to one, for which I am indebted to my friend Mr.. Barff, Taaroa, who was supreme here as well as in Tahiti* was said to be ZWta, or without parents* and to hate existed from eternity. He was supposed to hate a body* but it was invisible to mortals. After muumerabto seasons had p*te*ed away, he east his path *&eU or body, as birds do their feathers, or serpents their skins; and by this means, after intervals of innumerable seasons, his body was renewed. In the teew, or highest heavens, he dwelt alone. His first act was the creation of Hina, who is also called his daughter. Countless ages passed away, when Itee* and his daughter made the heavens, the earth, and the sea. The foundation of the world was a solid rock $ which, with every part of the creation, Taaroa was supposed to sustain by hie invisible power.—ft is stated, that the Friendly Islanders suppose that the earth is supported on the shoulders of one of their gods, sad that when an earthquake takes place* he is transferring it torn one shoulder to the other.
Having, with the assistance of Hina, made the heavens, earth, and sea, Taaroa efiertj or created, the gods. The first was Rootane, the god of peace; T?m< second Was Toafeftu, m shape like a dog; he saved such as were in danger of falling from rocks and trees* fk faht (the lord) ww the third. lUrfe* <the indignant,) a god of war, was the fburth. The fifth, who was said to have has! a bald head, was called Ruanuu. Hie ebrth was a god of war. Hie seventh, Tuaraatai, Mr. Bartf thinks was the Polynesian Neptune. The eighth was Rimaroa* <Ieng arms,) a god of war. Tim ninth in order were the gods 4rf idiots, who were always considered as inspired. T%e tenth was TtorU tabu tura, another Mars. These ii. 2 c
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POLYNESIAN RESBARCHBS.
were created by Taaroa, and constituted the first order of divinities.
A second class were also created, inferior to these, and employed as heralds between the gods and men. The third order seems to have been the descendants of Raa, were numerous and varied in their character, some being gods of war, others among the Esculapiuses of the nation. •'.•.
Oro was the first of the fourth class, and seems to have been the medium of connexion between celestial and terrestrial beings. . Taaroa was his father.. The shadow of a bread-fruit leaf, shaken by the power of the arm of Taaroa, passed over Hina, and she afterwards became the mother of Oro. Hina, it is said, abode in Opoa at the time of his birth; hence that was honoured as the place of his nativity, and became celebrated for his worship. Taaroa afterwards created the wife of Oro, and their children were also gods.
After the birth of Oro, Taaroa had other tons, who were called brothers of Oro,.among whom were the gods of the Areois. These were the four orders of celestial beings worshipped in the Leeward Islands. The different classes only have been mentioned; an enumeration of the individual deities, and their offices or attributes, would be tedious and useless.
These objects of fear and worship were exceedingly numerous, and may be termed the chief deities of the Polynesians. ' There was an. intermediate class between the* principal divinities and the gods of particular localities or professions, but they are not supposed to have existed from the beginning, or to have been born of Night. Their origin is veiled in obscurity, but they are often described as having been renowned men, who
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after death were deified by their descendants. Roo, Tane, Teiri, probably Tairi principal idol of the Sandwich Islanders, Tefatu, Ruanuu, Moe, Teepa, Puaua, Tefatuture, Opaevai, Haana, and Taumure. These all received the homage of the people, and were on all public occasions acknowledged among Tahiti's gods.
Their gods of the ocean were not less numerous; this was to be expected amongst a people dwelling in islands deriving a great part of their sustenance from the sea, and almost amphibious in their habits. The names of fourteen principal marine divinities were com* municated by the first Missionaries; others have been subsequently added, but it is unnecessary to enumerate them here. They are not supposed by the people to be of equal antiquity with the akuafauau po> or night-born gods.
They were probably men who had excelled their contemporaries in nautical adventure or exploit, and were deified by their descendants. • Hiro is conspicuous amongst them, although not exclusively a god of the sea. The most romantic accounts are given in their oat, or tales, of his adventures, his voyages, his combat with the gods of the tempests, his descent to the depth of the ocean, and residence at the bottom of the abyss, his intercourse with the monsters there, by whom he was lulled to sleep in a cavern of the ocean, while the god of the winds raised a violent storm, to destroy a ship in which his friends were voyaging. Destruction seemed to them inevitable—they invoked his aid—a friendly spirit entered the cavern in. which he was reposing, roused him from his slumbers, and informed him of their danger. He rose to the surface of
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the waters, rebuked the spirit of the storm, and has followers readied their destined port in safety.
The period of his adventures is probably the moat recent of any thus preserved, aa there are more pboea connected with his name in the Leeward Ialand&than with any other. A pile of rock in Tahaa is called the Doge of Hiro 5 a mountain ridge has received the appellation of the Pahi, or Ship of Hiro j and a large basaltic reck near the summit of a mountain in Huahine, is called the Hoe or Paddle of Hire*
Tuaraaftai and Rnahatu, however, appear to haw bean the principal marine deities. Whether this distinction resulted from any superiority they were supposed to possess, or from the conspicuous part the latter sustains in their tradition of the deluge^is not known; but their names are frequently mentioned* They were generally catted akua mao, or shark gods; not that the shark was itself the god, but the natives supposed the marine gods employed the sharks as the agents of their vengeance, in punishing transgressors.
The large blue shark was the only kind supposed to be employed by the gods; and a variety of the most strange and fabulous accounts of the deeds they have performed are related by their priests* These voracious animals were said always to recognize a priest on board any canoe, to come at his call, retire at his bidding, and to spare him in the event of a wreck, though they might devour his companions, especially if they were not his maru, or worshippers. I have been repeatedly told by an intelligent man, formerly a priest of an akua mao, that the shark through which his god was manifested, swimming in the sea, carried either him or his father on its hack from Ratatea to Huahine, a distance of twenty miles. The shark was not
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the only fish the Tahitians considered sacred. In addition to these, they had gods who were supposed to preside ovet the fisheries, and to direct to their coasts the various shoals by which they were periodically visited. Tahauru was the principal among these; but there were five or six others, whose aid the fishermen were accustomed to invoke, either before launching their canoes, or while engaged at sea. Matatini was the god of fishing-net makers.
Next in number and importance to the gods of the sea, and the aerial regions, frequently worshipped under the figure of a bird, were those of the peho U moua U pari e te /oo, the valleys, the mountains, the precipices, and the deUs or ravines. The names of twelve of the principal of these are preserved by the Missionaries—I have them by me—but as few of them are indicative of the character or attributes of these gods, tbgir insertion ia unnecessary.
I have often thought, when listening to their fabulous accounts of the adventures of their gods, which, when prosecuting our researches in their language, man-* ners, customs, &c. we have sometimes with difficulty induced them to repeat, that, had they been acquainted with letters, these would have furnished ample materials for legends rivalling in splendour Of machinery, and magnificence of achievement, the daaating mythology of the eastern nations* Rude as their traditions were, in the gigantic exploits they detail, and the bold and varied imagery they employ, they are often invested with an air of romance, which shews that the people possessed no inferior powers of imagination.
By their rude mythology, their lovely islands were made a sort of fairy-land, and ail the speUa of enchant-
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ment were thrown over its varied scenes. The sentiment of the poet that—
" Million* of spiritual creator* walk the earth Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep/'
was one familiar to their minds; and it is impossible not to feel interested in a people who were accustomed to consider themselves surrounded by invisible intelligences, and who recognized in the rising sun, the mild and silver moon—the shooting star—the meteor's transient flame—the ocean's roar—-the tempest's blast, or the evening breeze—the movements of mighty spirits. The mountain's summit, and the fleecy mists that hang upon its brows—the rocky defile—the foaming cataract—and the lonely dell—were all regarded as the abode or resort of these invisible beings.
An eclipse of the moon filled them with dismay; they supposed the planet was natua, or under the influence of the spell of some evil spirit that was destroying it. Hence they repaired to the temple, and offered prayers for the moon's release. The shape and stability of their islands they regarded as depending on the influence of spirits. The high and rocky obelisks, and detached pieces of mountain, were viewed as monuments of their power.
The large mountain on the left-hand side of the entrance to Opunohu, or Taloo harbour, which separates this bay from Cook's harbour, and is only united to the island by a narrow isthmus, was ascribed by tradition to the operations' of those spirits, who like the spirits in most other parts of the world, prefer the hours of darkness for their achievements. This mountain, it is stated, was formerly united with the mountains of the interior, and yielded in magnitude to none j but one night, the spirits of the place determined
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to remove it to the Leeward Islands, nearly one hundred miles distant, and accordingly began their operations, but had scarcely detached it from the main land, when the dawn of day discovered their proceedings, and obliged them to leave it where it now stands, forming the two bays already named. . An aperture in the upper part of a mountain near Afareaitu, which appears from the lowland like a hole made by a cannon-ball, but which is eight or nine feet in diameter, is said to have been made by the passage of a spear, hurled by one of these super* natural beings.
Amusement was in part the business of a Tahitian's life 5 and with their games, as well as with every other institution, idolatry was connected* Many were called sacred games, and over almost every one, the gods were supposed to exercise a control, though the people do not appear to have, been such ancient gamblers as the Hawaiian8 were. : Five or six gods were imagined to preside over the upaupa, or games, of which Uratae* tae.was one of the principal. #
The most benevolent of their gods were Roo or Tane, Temaru, Feimata, and Teruharuhatai. These were invoked by the tahua faatere, or expelling priests; and were supposed to exert their influence in restraining the effects of sorcery, or expelling the evil spirits, which, from the incantations of the sorcerer, had entered the sufferer. They had also patron deities of the healing art. Tama and Tetuahuruhuru were the gods of surgery; and their assistance was implored in reducing dislocations, healing fractures* bruises, &c.; while Oititi, or Rearea, was their Esculapius or god of physic.
In addition to these, were gods who presided over the mechanic arts. The first was Oihanu or Ofanu,
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the god of husbandly; the chief of the other* WM Taneetehia, the god of carpenters, builders, canoe-wrights, and all who wrought in wood. Nenia and Tope* the gods of those who thatched houses, and especially of those who finished the angles where the thatch of each aide joined. With these* others of a more repulsive character might be associated, but I shall only mention Hera the god of ghosts and apparitions, and Biro the god of thieves. To the list from which the above are taken, including nearly one hundred of the objects formerly worshipped by the nation, a number of the principal family idols of the king and chicffe might be added, as every family of any antiquity or rank had its tutelar idol.
The general name by which they Were distinguished was aiua, which is perhaps most appropriately translated god. This word is totally different in its meaning, as well as sound, from the word varua, spirit, although that is sometimes applied to the gods: when the people were accustomed to apeak disrespectfully of them, they called them varaua mo, bad or evil spirits. It is also different in Its signification from the word which is used to designate an image, and the spirits of departed children or relations, and frequently those evil genii to whom the sorcerers addressed their incantations.
Atua, or akua, is the name for god, without any exception, throughout the whole of the eastern part of Polynesia. The first a appears to be a component part of the word, though in many sentences it is omitted, in consequence of the preceding word terminating in a Vowel* It ia then pronounced tua; and though but little light is thus thrown on the origin of the people, it is interesting to trace the correspondence between the taata or Umgatu, first man, in Polynesia, and tangatanga, a
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principal deity among the South Americans; the atua, or tua, of the'South Sea islanders, and the tiv, which is said to be the word for god in the Artec or Mexican language, the deviyo of the Singhalese, and tie deva of the Sanscrit.
The objects of worship among the Tahitians, next to tile atm or gods, were the ararnatuas His or spirits. These were supposed/to reside in the po> or world of night, and were'never invoiced but by wizards or sorcerers, who im* piored their, aid for the destruction of an enemy, or the injury of some person whom they were hired to destroy. lltey were considered a different order of beings from the -gods, a kind of intermediate class between them and the human race, though in their prayers' all the attributes of the gods were, ascribed to them. The vra-matuas were the spirits of departed fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, &c. The natives were greatly afraid of them, and presented offerings, to avoid being cursed or destroyed, when they were employed by the sorcerers.
Tney seem to have been regarded as a sort of demons. In the* Leeward Islands, the chief oramatoas were spirits of departed warriors, who had distinguished themselves by ferocky and murder, attributes of character usually supposed to belong to these evil genii. Each celebrated til was honoured with an image, through which it was supposed his influence was exerted. The spirits of the refignng chiefs were united to this class, and the skulls of deceased rulers, kept with the images, were honoured with the same worship. Some idea of what was regarded as their ruling passion, may be inferred from the fearful apprehensions constantly entertained by all classes. They were supposed to be exceedingly irrita-11. 2d
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ble and cruel, avenging with death the slightest insult or neglect, and were kept within the precincts of the temple. In the marae of Tone at Maeva, the ruins of their abode were still standing, when I last visited the place. It was a house built upon a number of large strong poles, which raised the floor ten or twelve feet from the ground. They were thus elevated, to keep them out of the way of men, as it was imagined they were constantly strangling, or otherwise destroying, the chiefs and people. To prevent this, they were also treated with great respect; men were appointed constantly to attend them, and to keep them wrapped in the choicest kinds of cloth, to take them out whenever there was a pae atua, or general exhibition of the gods; to anoint them frequently with fragrant oil; and to sleep in the house with them at night. All this was done, to keep them pacified. And though the office of calming the angry spirits was honourable, it was regarded as dangerous, for if, during the night or at any other time, these keepers were guilty of the least impropriety, it was supposed the spirits of the images, or the skulls, would hurl them headlong from their high abodes, and break their necks in the falL The figures marked No. 7> in the engraving of the Idols, represent the images of two tiis or oramatuas y whose form and appearance convey no inappropriate exhibition of their imagined malignity of disposition.
Among the animate objects of their worship, they included a number of birds as well as fishes, especially a species of heron, a kingfisher, and one or two kinds of woodpecker, accustomed to frequent the sacred trees growing in the precincts of the temple. These birds were considered sacred, and usually fed upon the sacrifices. The natives imagined the god was embodied in
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the bird, when it approached the temple to feast upon the offering; and hence they supposed their .presents were grateful to their deities. The cries of those birds were also regarded as the responses of the gods to the prayers of the priests.
They supposed their gods were powerful spiritual beings, in some degree acquainted with the events of this world, and generally governing its affairs; never exercising any thing like benevolence towards even their most devoted followers, but requiring homage and obedience, with constant offerings j denouncing their anger, and dispensing destruction on all who either refused or hesitated to comply. But while the people supposed they were spiritual beings, they manufactured images either as representations of their form, and emblems of their character, or as the vehicle or instrument through which their communications might be made unto the god, and his will revealed to them.
The idols were either rough unpolished logs of the aito, or casuarina tree, wrapped in numerous folds of sacred cloth; rudely carved wooden images; or shapeless pieces covered with curiously netted cinet, of finely braided cocoa-nut husk,-and ornamented with red feathers. They varied in size, some being six or eight feet long, others not more than as many inches. Those representing the spirits, they called Hi; and those representing the national or family gods, toos. Into these they supposed the god entered at certain seasons, or in answer to the prayers of the priests. During this indwelling of the gods, they imagined even the images were very powerful: but when the spirit had departed, though they were among the most sacred things, their extraordinary powers were gone.
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I had repeated conversations with a tahua^tmtai-tooy a maker of gods, whom I met with on a visit to llaiatea. As he appeared a serious inquirer after truth, and I could place some confidence in what he related, I was anxious to know his own opinion as to the idols it had been his business to make,—whether he really believed they were the powerful beings which the natives supposed; and if so, what constituted their great power over the ether parts of the tree from which they were hewn? lie assured me, that although at times he thought it was att deception, and only practised his trade to obtain Hie property he received for Ids work; yes at ether tames he really thought the gods be himself had made, were powerful beings, it was not, he said, from the alteration his tools had effected in the appearance of the wood, or the carving with which they were ornamented, but because they had been taken to the temple, and were filled with the atua, that they became so powerful. The Images of aito-wood were only exceeded in durability by those of stone. Some of the' latter were calcareous or siliceous, but the greater part were rude, uncarved, angular column* of basah, various in size, and destitute of carving or polish; they were clothed or ornamented with native cloth.
The sacred flag was also used in processions, and regarded as an emblem of their deities.
Throughout Polynesia, the ordinary medium of communicating or extending supernatural powers, was the red feather of a small bird found in many of the islands, and the beautiful long tail-feathers of the tropic, or man-of-war bird. For these feathers the gods were supposed to have a strong predilection; they were the most valuable offerings that could be presented; to them the power or
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influence of the god was imparted, and through them transferred to the objects to which they might be attached. Among the numerous, ceremonies observed, the paaatua was one of the most conspicuous. On these occasions, the gods were all brought out of the: temple, the sacred coverings removed, scented oils were applied to the images, and they were exposed to the sun. At these seasons, the parties who wished their emblems of deity to be impregnated with the essence of the gods, repaired to the ceremony with a number of red feathers, which they delivered to the officiating priest.
The wooden idols being generally hollow, the feathers were deposited in the inside of the image, which was filled with them. Many idols, however, were solid pieces oi wood, bound or covered with finely-braided cinet, of the fibres of the cocoa-nut husk; to these the feathers were attached on the outside by small fibrous bands. In return for the feathers thus united to the god, the parties received two or three of the same kind, which had been deposited on a former festival in the inside of the wooden or inner fold of the cinet idoL These feathers were thought to possess all the properties of the images to which they had been attached, and a super* natural influence was supposed to be infused into them. They were carefully wound round with very fine ctnet, the extremities alone remaining visible. When this was done, the new-made gods were placed before the larger images from which they had been taken; and, lest their detachment should induce the god to withhold his power, the priest addressed a prayer to the principal deities, requesting them to abide in the red feathers before them. At the close of his ubu, or invocation, he declared that they were dwelt in or inhabited, (by the
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gods,) and delivered them to the parties who had brought the red feathers. The feathers taken home, were deposited in small bamboo-canes, excepting when addressed in prayer. If prosperity attended their owner, it was attributed to their influence, and they were usually honoured with a too, or image, into which they were inwrought; and subsequently, perhaps, an altar and a rude temple were erected for them. In the event, however, of their being attached to an image, this must be taken to the large temple, that the supreme idols might sanction the transfer of their influence.
Their temples were either national, local, or domestic. The former were the depositories of their principal idols, and the scenes of all great festivals; the second were those belonging to the several districts; and the third, such as were appropriated to the worship of family gods. Marae was the name for temple, in the South Sea Islands. All were uncovered, and resembled oratories rather than temples. The national places of worship were designated by distinct appellations. Tabu-tabu-a-tea was the name of several in the South Sea Islands, especially of those belonging to the king; the word may mean wide-spread sacredness. The national temples consisted of a number of distinct maraes, altars, and sacred dormitories, appropriated to the chief pagan divinities, and included in one large stone enclosure of considerable extent. Several of the distinct temples contained smaller inner-courts, within which the gods were kept. The form of the interior or area of their temples was frequently that of a square or a parallelogram, the sides of which extended forty or fifty feet. Two sides of this space were enclosed by a high stone wall 5 the front was protected by a low fence; and opposite, a
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solid pyramidal structure was raised, in front of which the images were kept, and the altars fixed. These piles were often immense. That which formed one side of the square of the large temple in Atehuru, according to Mr. Wilson, by whom it was visited when in a state of preservation, was two hundred and seventy feet long, ninety-four wide at the base, and fifty feet high, being at the summit one hundred and eighty feet long, and six wide. A flight of steps led to its summit 5 the bottom step was six feet high. The outer stones of the pyramid, composed of coral and basalt, were laid with great care, and hewn or squared with immense labour, especially the tiavdy or corner stones.
National Temple.
Within the enclosure, the houses of the priests, and keepers of the idols, were erected. Ruins of temples are found in every situation: on the summit of a hill, as
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at Maeva; on the extremity of a point of1 land projecting into the sea; or in'the recesses of an extensive and overshadowing grove. The trees growing within the walls, and around the temple, were sacred; these were the tall cypress-like casuarina, the tamanu9 or caflo-phyllum, mero, or 'thespesia, and the fow, or cordis* These were, excepting the casuarina-trees, of large foliage and exuberant growth, their interwoven and dark umbrageous branches frequently excluded the rays of 'the sun; and the contrast between the bright glare of a tropical day, and the sombre gloom m the depths of these groves, was peculiarly striking. The fantastic contortions in the trunks and tortuous branches of the aged trees, the plaintive and moaning sound of the wind passing through the leaves of the casuarina, often resembling the wild notes of the Eolian harp—and the dark walls of the temple, with the grotesque and horrific appearance of the iddle—^combined to inspire extraordinary emotions of superstitions terror, and to nurture that deep feeling of dread which characterized the worshippers of Tahiti's sanguinary.deities.
The priests of the national temples were a distinct class y theoinee 6f ike priesthood was hereditary in all its departments. iin the family, according to the patriarchal usage, the father was the priest in the village or district; the family of the priest was sacred, and his office was hfcld by one'Who was-also a chief. The king was sometimes the priest -of the nation, and the highest sacerdotal dignity was often possessed by some member of the reigning family. The intimate connexion between their false religion and political despotism, is, however, most distinctly shewn in the fact of the king's personifying the god, and receiving the offerings brought to the
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temple, and the prayers of the supplicants, which have been frequently presented to Tamatoa, the present king of Raiatea. The only motives by which they were influenced in their religious homage, or service, were, with very few exceptions, superstitious fear, revenge towards their enemies, a desire to avert the. dreadful consequences of the anger of the gods, and to secure their sanction and aid in the commission of the grossest crimes.
Their worship consisted in preferring prayers, presenting offerings, and sacrificing victims. Their ubus, or prayers, though occasionally brief, were often exceedingly protracted, containing many repetitions, and appearing as if the suppliants thought they should be heard for their much speaking. The petitioner did. not address the god standing or prostrate, but knelt on one knee, sat cross-legged, or in a crouching position, on a broad flat stone, leaning his back against an upright basaltic column, at the extremity of a smooth pavement, usually six or ten yards from the front of the idol. He threw down a branch of sacred mero on the pavement before the image or altar, and began his tarotaro, or invocation, preparatory to the offering of his prayer. Pure is the designation of prayer, and haamore that for praise, or worship.
Small pieces of niau, or cocoa-nut leaf, were suspended in different parts of the temple, to remind the priest of the order to be observed. They usually addressed the god in a shrill, unpleasant, or chanting tone of voice, though at times the worship was extremely boisterous. That which I have often heard in the northern islands was peculiarly so; and on these occasions, when we have induced the priest to repeat ii. 2 k
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.POLYNESIAN RHSBARCBBS.
any of the prayers, they have always recited them in these tones.
Nothing can exceed the horror they have of their former worship. An instance of' this kind occurred at Parea with an old blind priest of, the fisherman's temple there. When the majority of the inhabitants embraced Christianity, he declared he would not abandon the idols, nor unite in the worship of the God of the Christians; and in order to shew his determination, on the Sabbath-day, when the people went to the chapel, he went out to work in, I think, a part . of the ground belonging to his temple: while thus engaged in mending a fence, a bough struck his eyes, and not only inflicted great pain, but deprived him of his sight, and, like Elymas, he was obliged to be led home. This circumstance deeply affected his mind; he became a firm believer in the true God, maintained an upright and resigned frame of mind, and, when baptized, adopted the name of ftwl, from the similarity in the means employed in humbling and converting him, and those used to bring the apostle to a sense of the power and mercy of the Saviour. He died in 1834. Two or three years before this, I visited Ids residence; and, in company with others, attended him to the temple of which he had been priest. After examining its ruins, we requested him to recite, simply for our information relative to the nature of the former worship, one of the prayers he had been accustomed to offer there. After great persuasion, he consented, and, assuming the crouching position, or sitting as it were on his heels, he commenced, in a shrill, tremulous tone, to repeat the names of the gods, &c., but he was soon seized with a violent trembling and evident alarm, and declared he durst not, he could not proceed. Corresponding appro-
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(tensions have often been manifested by others, and we have seldom induced any to recite their idolatrous prayers.
Their offerings included every kind of valuable property 2 the fowls of the air, the fishes of the sea, the beasts of the field, and the fruits of the earth, together with their choicest manufactures, were presented. The sacrifice was frequently called Taraehara, a compound term, signifying disentangling from guilt; from tara, to untie or loosen, and haray guilt. The animals were taken either in part or entire. The fruits and other eatables were generally, but not always, dressed. Portions of the fowls, pigs, or fish, considered sacred, dressed with sacred fire within the temple, were offered; the remainder furnished a banquet for the priests and other sacred persons, who were privileged to eat of the sacrifices. Those portions appropriated to the gods were deposited on the fata or altar, which was of wood. Domestic altars, or those erected near the corpse of a departed friend, were small square wicker structures} while those in the public temple were large, and usually eight or ten feet high. The surface of the altar was supported by a number of wooden posts or pillars, often curiously carved, and highly polished. The altars were covered with sacred boughs, and ornamented with a border or fringe of rich yellow plantain leaves. The pigs, &c. when presented alive, received the sacred mark, and ranged the district at liberty; when slain, they were exceedingly anxious to avoid breaking a bone, or disfiguring the animal. One method of killing them was by holding the pig upright on its legs, placing a strong stick horizontally under its throat, and another across upon its neck, and then pressing them together until the animal was strangled. Another plan was, by bleeding
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the pig to death, washing the carcase with the blood, and then placing it in a crouching position on the altar. Offerings and sacrifices of every kind, whether dressed or not, were placed upon the altar, and remained there, until by decomposition they were consumed. The heat of the climate, and frequent rain, accelerated this process, yet the atmosphere in the vicinity of the maraes was frequently most offensive.
Altar, and Offerings.
Animals, fruits, &c. were not the only articles presented to their idols; the most affecting part of their sacrificing was the frequent immolation of human victims. These sacrifices, in the technical language of the priests* were calleda/frA. They were offered in seasons of war, at great national festivals, during the illness of their rulers, and on the erection of their temples. I have been informed by several of the inhabitants of Maeva, that the foundation of some of the buildings, for the abode of their gods, was actually laid in human sacrifices; that every pillar, supporting the roof of one of the sacred houses at Maeva, was planted upon the body of a man, who had been offered as a victim to the sanguinary deity about to be deposited there. The unhappy wretches selected were either captives taken in war, or individuals who had rendered themselves obnoxious to the chiefs or
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the priests. When they were wanted, a stone was, at the request of the priest, sent by the king to the chief of the district from which the victimfl were required. If the stone was received, it was an indication of an intention to comply with the requisition. It is a singular fact, that the cruelty of the practice extended not only to individual^ but to families and districts. When an individual had been taken as a sacrifice, the family to which he belonged was regarded as tabu or devoted; and when another was required, it was more frequently taken from that family than any other: and a district from which sacrifices had been taken, was, in the same way, considered as devoted; and hence, when it was known that any ceremonies were near, on which human sacrifices were usually offered, the members of tabu families, or others who had reason to fear they were selected, fled to the mountains, and hid themselves in the dens and caverns till the ceremony was over. At a public meet-* ing in Raiatea, Paumoana, a native chieftain, alluded to this practice in terms resembling these:—How great our dread of our former gods! Are there not some here who have fled from their houses, to avoid being taken for sacrifices ? Yes! I know the cave in which they were concealed.
In general, the victim was unconscious of his doom, until suddenly stunned by a blow from a club or a stone, sometimes from the hand of the very chief on whom he was depending as a guest for the rights of hospitality. He was usually murdered on the spot—hi 8 body placed in a long basket of cocoa-nut leaves, and carried to the temple. Here it was offered, not by consuming it with fire, but by placing it before the idol. The priest, in dedicating it, took out one of the eyes, placed it on a
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plantain leaf, and handed it to the king, who raised it to his mouth as if desirous to eat it, but passed it to one of the priests or attendants, stationed near him for the purpose of receiving it* At intervals during the prayers some of the hair was plucked off, and placed before the god j and when the ceremony was over, the body was wrapped in the basket of cocoa-nut leaves, and frequently deposited on the branches of an adjacent tree, After remaining a considerable time, it was taken down, and the bones buried beneath the rude pavement of the marae. These horrid rites were not unfrequent, and the number offered at their great festivals was truly appalling.
The seasons of worship were both stated and occasional. The latter were those in which the gods were sought under national calamities, as the desolation of war, or the alarming illness of the king or chiefs* In addition to the rites connected with actual war, there were two that followed its termination. The principal of these, Rau ma ta vehi raa, was designed to purify the land from the defilement occasioned by the incursions or devastations of an enemy, who had perhaps ravaged the country, demolished the temples, destroyed or mutilated the idols, broken down the altars, and used as fuel the unusy or curiously carved pieces of wood, marking the sacred places of interment, and emblematical of their tii's or spirits. Preparatory to this ceremony, the temples were rebuilt* new altars reared, new images, inspired or inhabited by the gods, placed in the maraes, and fresh unus erected.
At the close of the rites in the new temples, the parties repaired to the sea-beach, where the chief priest offered a short prayer, and the people dragged a small net of
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cocoa-nut leaves through a shallow part of the sea, and usually detached small fragments of coral from the bottom, which were brought to the shore. These were denominated fish, and were delivered to the priest, who conveyed them to the temple, and deposited them on the altar, offering at the same time an trite or prayer, to induce the gods to cleanse the land from pollution, that it might be pure as the coral fresh from the sea. It was now supposed safe to abide on the soil, and appropriate its produce to the purposes of support; but had not this ceremony been performed, death would have been anticipated.
The mam fata, altar-raising, was connected with the preceding rites. No human victim was slain, but numbers of pigs, with abundance of plantains, &c. were placed upon the altars, which were newly ornamented with branches of the Bacred mero, and yellow leaves of the cocoa-nut tree. These rites extended to every marae in the island* and were designed to secure rain and fertility for the country gained by conquest, or recovered from invasion.
Besides these, the chief occasional services were those connected with the illness of their rulers. This was supposed to be inflicted by the gods for some offence of the chiefs or people. Long and frequent prayers were offered, to avert their anger, and prevent death. But, supposing the gods were always influenced by the same motives as themselves, they imagined that the efficacy of their prayers would be in exact proportion to the value of the offerings with which they were accompanied. Hence, when the symptoms of disease were violent and alarming, if the sufferer was a chief of rank, the fruits of whole fields of plantains, and a hundred or more pigs, have been taken to the marae, and frequently, besides these, a
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number of men, with rapes round their necks, have been also led to the temple, and presented before the idol. The prayers of the priests have often been interrupted by the ejaculatory addresses of the men, calling by name, and exclaiming " Be not angry, or let thy wrath be appeased; here we are: look on us, and be satisfied," &c. It does not appear that these men were actually sacrificed, but probably they appeared in this humiliating manner, with ropes about their necks, to propitiate the deity, and to shew their readiness to die, if it should be required*
While these ceremonies were observed, the progress of the disease was marked, by the friends of the afflicted, with intense anxiety. If recovery followed, it was attributed to the pacification of the deities; but if the disease increased, or terminated fatally, the god was regarded as inexorable, and was usually banished from the temple, and his image destroyed.
Religious rites were connected with almost every act of their lives. An ubu or prayer was offered before they ate their food, when they tilled their ground, planted their gardens, built their houses, launched their canoes; cast their nets, and commenced or concluded a journey. Numerous ceremonies were performed at the birth of any child of rank, at marriages, and interments. The first fish taken periodically on their shores, together with a number of kinds regarded as sacred, were conveyed to the altar. The first-fruits of their orchards and gardens were also taumaha, or offered, with a portion of their live-stock, which consisted of pigs, dogs, and fowls, as it was supposed death would be inflicted on the owner or the occupant of the land, from which the god should not receive such acknowledgment.
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Altar and Units.
Hie bure arii, a ceremony in which the king acknowledged the supremacy of the gods, was one attended with considerable pomp and show; but one of the principal stated festivals was the pae atua, which was held every three moons. On these occasions all the idols were brought out from their sacred depository, and meheu, or exposed to the sun; the cloth in which they had been kept was removed, and the feathers in the inside of the hollow idols were taken out. The images were then anointed with fragrant oil; new feathers, brought by their worshippers, were deposited in the inside of the hollow idols, and folded in new sacred cloth: after a number of ceremonies, they were carried back to their dormitories in the temple. Large quantities of food were provided for the entertainment, which followed the religious rites of the pae atua.
The most singular of their stated ceremonies was the maoa raa matahiti, ripening or completing of the year. This festival was regularly observed in Huahine: although I do not know that it was universal, vast multitudes assembled. In general, the men only engaged in pagan festivals; but men, women, and children, attended at
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this; the females, however, were not allowed to enter the sacred enclosure. A sumptuous banquet was held annually at the time of its observance, which was regulated by the blossoming of reeds.
Their rites and worship were in many respects singular, but in none more so than in the ripening of the year, which was regarded as a kind of annual acknowledgment to the godt. When the prayers were finished at the marae, and the banquet ended, a usage prevailed much resembling the popish custom of mass for souls in purgatory. Each individual returned to his home, or to his family marae, there to offer special prayers for the spirits of departed relatives, that they might be liberated from the poy or state of night, and ascend to rokuhmocmoa, the mount Meru of Polynesia, or return to this world, by entering into the body of. some inhabitant of earth.
They did not suppose, according to the generally received doctrine of transmigration, that the spirits who entered the body of some dweller upon earth, would per* manently remain there, but only come and inspire the person to declare future events, or execute any other commission from the supernatural beings on whom they imagined they were constantly dependent.
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chap. vm.
Description of Polynesian idols—Human sacrifices—Anthropophagism*-Islands, in which it prevail*—Motives and circumstances under which it is practised—Tradition of its existence in Sir Charles Sanders' Island —Extensive prevalence of Sorcery and Divination—'Views of the natives on the subject of satanic influence—Demons—Imprecations—Modes of incantation—Horrid and fatal effects supposed to result from sorcery— Impotency of enchantment on Europeans—Native remedies for sorcery— Native oracles—Means of inspiration—-Effects on the priest inspired— Manner of delivering the responses Circumstances at Rurutu and Huahine—Intercourse between the priest and the god-oAmgury bj the death of victims—Divination for the detection of theft.
The system of idolatry, whidh prevailed among a people separated from the majority of their species by trackless oceans, breathing a salubrious air, inhabiting a beautiful and fertile country, and possessing the means, not only of subsistence but of comfort, in an unusual degree, presents a most affecting exhibition of imbecility, absurdity,' and degradation. Whether we consider its influence over the individual, the family, or the nation, through the whole period of life—its oppressive exactions, its frequent and foolish rites, its murderous sacrifices, the engines of its power, and the objects of its homage and its dread—it is impossible to contemplate it without augmented thankfulness for the. blessings of revelation, and increased compassion for those inhabiting the dark places of the earth.
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The idols of the heathen are in general appropriate emblems of the beings they worship and fear 5 and if we contemplate those of the South Sea Islanders, they present to our notice all that is adapted to awaken our pity. The idols of Tahiti were generally shapeless pieces of wood, from one to four feet long, covered with finely braided cinet of cocoa-nut fibres, ornamented with scarlet feathers, Oro was a straight log of hard casuarina wood, six feet in length, uncarved, but decorated with feathers. The gods of some of the adjacent islands exhibit a greater variety of form and structure. TTie accompanying plate contains several of these.
The two figures in the centre, No. 1. exhibit a front and profile view of Taaroa, the supreme deity of Polynesia; who is generally ragarded as the creator of the world, and the parent of gods and men. The image from which these views were taken, is nearly four feet high, and twelve or fifteen inches broad, carved out of a solid piece of close, white, durable wood. In addition to the number of images or demigods forming the features of his face, and studding the outside of his body, and which were designed to shew the multitudes of gods that had proceeded from him; his body is hollow, and when taken from the temple, in which for many generations he had been worshipped, a number of small idols were found in the cavity. They had perhaps been deposited there, to imbibe his supernatural powers, prior to their being removed to a distance, to receive, as his representatives, divine honours. The opening to the cavity was at the back 5 the whole of which, as shewn in the profile view, might be removed. The image to the right, No. 3. is another representation of Taaroa. No. 5. is Terongo, one of the principal gods, and his three sons. No. 2. is
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an image of Tebuakina, three sons of Kongo, a principal deity in the Harvey Islands. The name is probably analogous to Orono in Hawaii, though distinct from Oro in Tahiti. No. 6. exhibits a sacred ornament of a canoe from the island of Huahine. The two figures at the top, are images worshipped by fishermen, or those frequenting the sea. The two small idols at the lower corners of the plate, No. 7- are images of oramatuasj or demons. The others are gods from the Harvey Islands. The gods of Rarotogna were some of them much larger; Mr. Bourne, in 1825, saw fourteen about twenty feet long, and six feet wide.
• Such were the objects the inhabitants of these islands were accustomed to supplicate; and to appease or avert the anger of which, they devoted not only every valuable article they possessed, but murdered their fellow creatures, and offered their blood. Human victims were sacrificed to Taaroa, Oro, and several others. It has been supposed, that the circumstance of the priests' offering the eye, the most precious part of the victim, to the king, who appeared to eat it, indicated their having formerly devoured the men they had sacrificed. I do not regard this fact as affording any very strong evidence, although I have not the least doubt that the inhabitants of several of the South Sea Islands have eaten human beings.
From the many favourable traits in their character, we have been unwilling to believe they had ever been cannibals ; the conviction of our mistake has, however, been impressed by evidence so various and multiplied as to preclude uncertainty. Their mythology leads them to suppose, that the spirits of the dead are eaten by the gods or demons; and that the spiritual part of their
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tacrifices is eaten by the spirit of the idol before whom it is presented. Birds resorting to the temple, were said to feed upon the bodies of the human sacrifices and it was imagined the god approached the temple in the bird, and thus devoured the victims placed upon the altar. In some of the islands, "man-eater" was an epithet of the principal deities; and it was probably in connexion with this, that the king, who often personated the god, appeared to eat the human eye. Part of some human victims were eaten by the priests.
The Marquesans are known to be cannibals; the inhabitants of the Palliser or Pearl Islands, in the immediate neighbourhood of Tahiti, to the eastward, are the same. A most affecting instance of 'their anthropophagism is related by recent visitors; who state that a captive female child, pining with hunger, on begging a morsel of food from the cruel and conquering invaders of her native island, was supplied by a piece of her own father's body!
The bodies of prisoners in war, or enemies slain in battle, appear to have been eaten by most of the Harvey Islanders, who reside a short distance to the west of the Society groups. There were several inducements to this horrid practice. The New Zealanders ate the bodies of their enemies, that they might imbibe their courage, &c. Hence, they exulted in their banquet on a celebrated warrior; supposing that, when they had devoured his flesh, they should be imbued with his valiant and daring spirit. I am not certain that this was the motive by which the eastern Polynesians were influenced, but one principal design of their wars was to obtain men to eat. Hence, when dwelling in their encampment, and clearing the brushwood, &c. from the place in which they expected
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to engage the enemy, they animated each other to the work in the following terms, " Clear away well, that we may kill and eat, and have a good feast to-day." To "kill and eat," waa the haughty warrior's threat; and to be "killed and eaten," the dread of the vanquished and the exile. In the island of Rarotogna, they cut off the heads of the slain, piled them in heaps within the temple, and furnished the banquet of victory with their bodies.
The desire of revenge, or the satisfaction resulting from actually devouring an enemy, was not their only motive. The craving of nature, and the pangs of famine, often led to this unnatural crime. It was the frequent inducement in the Marquesas, and also in the Harvey Islands. In Maute, Metiaro, and Athi, seasons of scarcity are severely felt 5 and, to satisfy their' hunger, a number of persons, at the hour of midnight, have stolen a man from a neighbouring residence, killed, and eaten him at once. Mr. Bourne, who visited the islands in 1825, states, that members of the same family are not safe; and so awful is their wretchedness, that this horrid cruelty is practised towards those who, m civilised communities, aire the objects of most endearing attachment: the husband has preyed upon the body of his wife, and the parent upon his child, in a most revolting manner, without subjecting it to any previous preparation* These facts are too painful and barbarous to admit detail. Another, and perhaps more criminal motive than either revenge or want, led some to the perpetration of these appalling deeds: this was, the indulgence of their depraved and vitiated appetite.
In the little island of Tapuaemanu, between Eimeo and Huahine, tradition states thai there were formerly
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cannibals. In the reign of Tamatafetu, an ancestor of the present ruler, it is related, that when a man of stout or corpulent habit went to the island, or lowland on the reef, he was seldom heard of afterwards. The people of the island imagined those thus missing were destroyed by the sharks: but for many years, the servants of the king followed them to the island on the reef, and having murdered, baked them there. When the bodies were baked, they wrapped them in leaves of the hibiscus and plantain, as they were accustomed to wrap their eels, or other fish, taken and cooked on the island j they then carried them to the interior, where the king and his servants feasted on them. Their deeds were at length discovered by Feito, the wife of the king. She was in the house on one occasion, and, as they supposed, asleep, when she overheard the king and his servants planning the death of Tebuoroo, her brother. Anxious to save her brother's life, she revealed to him the purpose of the chief. He communicated it to the raatiras, or farmers, who immediately repaired to the marae of Taaroa, to inquire what they should do; and left with a unanimous determination to destroy their chief. Two men, Mehoura and Raiteanui, were appointed to hide themselves near his place of bathing; and when the chief came to bathe, they killed him with stones. A native of this island related the above statement within the last two years, at a public meeting held near the place where it is reported to have occurred, and afterwards in private stated that it was according to their traditions. Mr. Barff, to whom I am indebted for the tradition, adds, " The people at large affirmed it to be true." This unnatural crime does not appear to have been general; and the above is the only direct account that we have of its
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existence in what are properly the Society Islands. It is not probable that it will ever be revived, and, at a recent public meeting, in alluding to it, as illustrative of the former, and contrasting it with the present state of the people, the native speaker concluded by saying, " Behold, under the gospel of Jesus Christ, this land, where man-eaters have dwelt, has become a land of neighbours and of brethren."
No people in the world, in ancient or modern times, appear to have been more superstitious than the South Sea Islanders, or to have been more entirely under the influence of dread from imaginary demons, or supernatural beings* They had not only their major but their minor demons, or spirits, and all the minute ramifications of idolatry. Sorcery and witchcraft were extensively practised. By this art, the sorcerers pretended to be able to inflict the most painful maladies, and to deprive of life the victims of their mysterious rites.
It is unnecessary now to inquire whether satanic agency affects the bodies of men. We know this was the fact at the time our Saviour appeared on earth. Many of the natives of these islands are firmly persuaded, that while they were idolaters, their bodies were subject to most excruciating sufferings, from the direct operation of satanic power. In this opinion they might be mistaken, and that which they regarded as the effect of super-human agency, might be only the influence of imagination, or the result of poison. But considering the undisputed exercise of such an influence, recognized in the declarations and miracles of our Lord and of his apostles, existing not only in heathen, but Jewish society, and considering, in connexion with this, the undisputed dominion, moral and intellectual, which ii. 2g
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the powers of darkness held over those that were entirely devoted to the god of this world, it does not appear impossible, or inconsistent with the supreme govern* ment of God, that these subordinate powers should be permitted to exert an influence over their persons, and that communities, so wholly given to idolatry of the most tansrderous and diabolical kinds, should be considered corporeally, as well as spiritually, to be lying " in the wicked one/' In addition to the firm belief which many who were sorcerers, or agents of the infernal powers, and others who were the victims of incantation, still main* tain, some of the early Missionaries are disposed to think this was the fact. Since the natives have embraced Christianity, they heHevC they are now exempt from an influence, to which they were subject during the reign of the evil spirit.
Individuals, among the most intelligent of thte people; sometimes express their deliberate conviction, that it is because they live under the dispensation or government of Jesus Christ, that they are now exempt from those bodily sufferings to which they were exposed While they were willing and zealous devotees of the devil. It is, I believe, also ah indisputable fact, that those kinds of violent, terrific, and fatal corporeal agony, which they attributed to this agency, have altogether ceased, since the subversion of that system, of which it was so dreadful a part. I am not prepared to pronounce the opinions many of the natives still hold, as altogether imaginative: at the same time, the facts that have come to my knowledge, during my residence among them, have led me to desire the most satisfactory evidence for rejecting their sentiments.
Witchcraft and sorcery they considered the peculiar
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province of an inferior order of supernatural beings. The names of the principal oramatoas were, Mau-ri, Bua-rai, and Tea-fao. They were considered the most malignant of beings, exceedingly irritable and implacable; they were not confined to the skulls of departed warriors, or the images made for them, but were occasionally supposed to resort to the shells from the sea-shore, especially a beautiful kind of murex, the tnurex ramoces. These shells were kept by the sorcerers, and the peculiar singing noise peroeiyed on applying the valve to the ear, was. imagined to proceed from the demon it contained.
These were the kinds of beings invoked by the wizards or. sorcerers. Different names were applied to, their arts, according to die rites. employed,, or the effects pro* duced. Tabular tnhutahn, natinatiaha or pifao, were the general terms employed, both for sorcery and the performance of it. ThhUfin general, signifies to kindle, and is much the same in import as akikum, the word for sorcery in the Sandwich Islands. The application ofr fire was common to both. NcUinati signifies involved, entangled, and. knotted:. aha, is cinet; and the persons afflicted with this, were supposed to be possessed by a demon, who was twisting and knotting their inside,, and thus occasioning most excruciating pain and death.. P\fav, signifies a hook or Iprb; and is also indi* cative of the condition of those, under the visitation of evil spirits, who were holding them in agony, as severe as if transfixed by a.barbed spear or hook. . .. Incantations sometimes commenced with an imprecation or curse, (either by the priest or the offended party, and. it was usually denounced in the name of the gods of the party, or of the.king, or some oramatua. This was generally employed. in revenge, for an injury or
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insult, which the party using the imprecation imagined they had received j and the poor people entertained the greatest horror of this mode of vengeance, as it was generally considered fatal, unless, by engaging a more powerful demon, its effects could be counteracted.
This dreadful system of iniquity, and demon tyranny, was complex and intricate. The party using sorcery against another, whose destruction they designed, employed a tahutahu, or a taata-obu-tara, whose influence with the demons procured their co-operation in the murderous design, and was supposed to induce the lit, or spirit, to enter into the victim of their malice.
Prayers, offerings, and the accustomed mysteries, however numerous, were not sufficient for this purpose. It was necessary to secure something connected with the body of the object of vengeance. The parings of the nails, a lock of the hair, the saliva from the mouth, or other secretions from the body, or else a portion of the food which the person was to eat. This was considered as the vehicle by which the demon entered the person, who afterwards became possessed. It was called the tubu> growing, or causing to grow. When procured, the tara was performed; the sorcerer took the hair, saliva, or other substance that had belonged to his victim, to his house or marae, performed his incantations over it, and offered his prayers; the demon was then supposed to enter the tubu, and through it the individual, who afterwards became possessed. If it was a portion of food, similar ceremonies were observed, and the piece of bread-fruit, fish, &c., supposed by this process to be impregnated by the demon, was placed in the basket of the person for whom it was designed; and, if eaten, inevitable destruction followed.
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The use of the portable spittoon by the Sandwich Island chiefs, in which the saliva was carefully deposited, carried by a confidential servant, and buried every morning, and the custom of the Tahitians in scrupulously burning or burying the hair when cut off, and also furnishing to each individual his distinct basket for food, originated in their dread of sorcery by any of these means. When the tara had been performed, and the tubu secured, the effects were violent, and death speedy. The most acute agonies and terrific distortions of the body were often experienced; the wretched sufferer appeared in a state of frantic madness, or, as they expressed it, torn by the evil spirit, while he foamed and writhed under his dreadful power.
On one occasion, Mr. Nott sent two native boys, who were his servants, from Eimeo to Tahiti, for taro9 or arum-roots. The man, under whose care it was growing, was a sorcerer: he was from home, I believe—but the boys, according to the directions they had received, went to the field, and procured the roots for which they had been sent. Before they had departed, the person who had charge of the field returned, and was so enraged, that he pronounced the most dreadful imprecations upon one, if not both of them, threatening them with the ptfao. The boys returned to Eimeo, but apparently took no notice of the threatening. One of them was shortly afterwards taken ill j and the imprecation of the sorcerer being made known to his friends, it was immediately concluded that he was possessed by the evil spirit. Alarming symptoms rapidly increased, and some of the Missionaries went to see him in this state. On entering the place where be lay, a most appalling spectacle was presented. The youth was lying on the ground, writhing
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in anguish, foaming at the mouthy his eyes apparently ready to start from his head, his countenance exhibiting every form of terrific distortion and pain, his limbs agitated with the most violent and involuntary convulsions. The friends of the boy were standing round, filled with horror at. what they considered the effects of the malignant demon; and the sufferer shortly afterwards expired in dreadful agonies. In general, the effects of incantations were more gradual in their progress, and less sudden, though equally fatal in their termination.
The belief of the people in the power of the sorcerers remained unshaken, until the renunciation of idolatry, and the whole population wre consequently kept, in most humiliating and slavish fear of the demons. No rank or class was supposed to be exempt from their fatal influence. The. young, prince of Taiarnbu, Te-ariUmv vaho-roa, brother of the late, king, was by many of the people considered.as destroyed, by.Metis, a prophet of Oro, and a celebrated sorcerer,, who had sometimes been known to threaten even the king himself with the effects of his indignation. " Give up, give up," was the language he an one occasion employed, when addressing the king, ."lest. I. bend my strong bow;" in allusion? it is supposed, <to his pretended influence with the demon. Whole families were, sometimes destroyed. - In Huahine> out of. eight, one individual.alone survives; seven, it is imagined, having been cut off by one sorcerer.
The imprecation was seldom openly denounced, unless the agent of the powers of darkness imagined his victim had little prospect of escape, and that his family were not likely to avenge his death. In general, these mysteries were conducted with that secrecy, which best comported with such works of darkness. . Occasionally the
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tahutahu employed hie influence with the evil spirit, to revenge some insult or injury he or his relatives had received? but he more frequently exercised it lor hire: from his employers he received his fee and his directions) and having procured the tabu, or instrument of acting on Us victim, repaired to his own- rude masse, performed hie diabolical lites, delivered over the individual to the demon whom he invoked, imploring the spirit to enter into the wretch, and indict the most dreattul bodily eufl-ferings,terminate at length the mortal existence, and then hurry the spirit to the po> or state of night, and there pursue the dreadful work of torture* These- were the infernal labours of the* tahutahu or the- ptfao, the wisard or the sorcerer;. and these, according to the su* peratitions of the people* their terrific results.
It is possible that in some instances these Buffeting* may base been the effects of imagination, and a deep unpresakm on the mind of the afflicted individual, that he was selected as the victim of some insatiable demon's rage* Iniagining he was already delivered to his grasp) hope was abandoned, death deemed inevitable, and the infatuated sufferer became the victim of despair It is atee possible that poison, of which the natives had several kinds, vegetable and animal, (some few of which they have stated capable of destroying human life,) might have produced the violent convulsions that sometimes preceded dissolution, it is probable that into the piece of food, over which the sorcerer performed his incantations, he introduced a portion of poison, which would prove fatal to the individual by whom it was eaten* Indeed, some of the sorcerers, since their conversion to Chris* tianity, and one of them on his death-bed, confessed that this had been practised, and that they supposed the
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poison had occasioned the death which had been attributed to their incantations. Others, however, still express their belief, that they were so completely under the dominion of the evil spirit, that his power extended to the body as well as to the mind. I offer no opinion on this matter, but confine myself to stating the sentiments of the people, and some of the facts connected with the same. It has been a subject of very frequent conversation with several of the most reflecting among the natives, who, since they have become Christians, have expressed their deliberate belief that their bodies were subject to satanic agency.
It is a singular fact, that while the practice continued, with all its supernatural influence, among the natives, the sorcerers invariably confessed that incantations were harmless when employed upon Europeans : several have more than once been threatened with sorcery, and there is reason to believe it has been put to the test upon them. They have always declared, that they could not prevail with the white men, because such were under the keeping of a more powerful Being than the spirits they could engage against them, and therefore were secure. The native Missionaries, in different islands, have also been threatened with sorcery from the idolaters among whom they have endeavoured to introduce Christianity. They have always defied the sorcerers and their demons, telling them that Jehovah would protect them from their machinations; and though frequently exposed to incantations, have never sustained the slightest injury.
The sentiments entertained by the natives relative to the character of these supernatural beings, led them to imagine them such as they were themselves, only endowed with greater powers. They supposed that in all
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their actions they were influenced by motives exactly corresponding with those that operated upon their own minds; hence they believed, that even spirits could, be diverted from their purposes by the offer of a larger bribe than they had received to earry it into effect, or that the efforts of one til could be neutralized or counteracted by another more powerful.
Under the influence of these opinions, when any one was autferuig from ineantations, if he or his Mends possessed property, they immediately employed another sorcerer. This person was frequently called a faatre, causing to move or slide, who, on receiving his fee, was generally desired, first to discover who had practised the incantations which it was supposed had induced the sufferings: as soon as he had accomplished this, he was employed, with more costly presents, to engage the aid of his demons, that the agony and death they had endea* voured to inflict upon the subject of their malignant efforts, might revert to themselves—and if the .demon employed by the second party was equally powerful with that employed by the first, and their presents more valuable, it was generally supposed that they were successful.
How affecting is the view these usages afford, of the mythology of these rude untutored children of nature! How debasing their ideas of those beings on whom they considered themselves dependent, and whose services they regarded as the principal business of their lives !— how degrading and brutalizing such sentiments, and how powerful their effect must have been, in cherishing that deadly hatred which often found but too congenial a home in their bosoms ! They were led to imagine that these super-human beings Were engaged in perpetual conflict with each other, employing their dreadful powers,
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at the instigation of their priests, in afflicting with deepest misery, and ultimately destroying, the devotees of some rival demon.
A mythology so complicated, and a system of idolatry so extensive and powerful, as that which prevailed in the South Sea Islands, led the people not only to consider themselves as attended and governed by the gods, but also induced them to seek their direction, and submit to their decision, in every event of interest or importance. Every island had its oracle; and divination, in various forms, was almost universally practised by the priests.
In many respects, the oracles of the Polynesians resembled those of the ancients; in some they differed. Oro, the great national idol, was generally supposed to give the responses to the priests, who sought to know the will of the gods, or the issue of events; and Opoa, being considered as the birth-place of this god, was among the most celebrated oracles of the people. It does not appear that there were any persons specially appointed to consult the gods. The priest, who officiated in other services, presented the offerings, and proposed the inquiries of those who thus sought supernatural direction.
No event of importance was determined, nor any enterprise of hazard or consequence undertaken, without, in the first instance, inquiring of the gods its result. The priest was directed, as they expressed it, to spread the matter before the idol, and to wait the intimation of his will, or the prediction of its consequences. The priest, who was called tawra, or tairoiro, repaired to the temple, presented the offerings, and proposed the inquiry, while the parties by whom he was employed anxiously waited his report.
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In the Sandwich Islands, the king, personating the god, uttered the responses of the oracle, from his concealment in a frame of wicker-work. In the southern islands, the priest usually addressed the image, into which it was imagined the god entered when any one came to inquire his will. Sometimes the priest slept all night near the idol, expecting his communication in a dream; at other times it was given in the cry of a hird, whose resort was in the precincts of his temple 5 in the sighing of the breeze among the entwining branches of the tall and slender trees around the temple 5 or in the shrill, squeaking articulations of some of the priests. When the priest returned to those by whom he had been employed, if an unfavourable answer had been given, the project was at once abandoned, however favourable other circumstances might appear. If the answer was propitious, arrangements were forthwith made for its prosecution 5 but if no answer had been given, no further steps were then taken, it was considered to be restrained by the idol, and was left in abeyance with him.
Appearing to the priest in a dream of the night, though a frequent, was neither the only nor the principal mode by which the god intimated his will. He frequently entered the priest, who, inflated as it were with the divinity, ceased to act or speak as a voluntary agent, but moved and . spoke as entirely under - supernatural influence. In this respect there was a striking resemblance between the rude oracles of the Polynesians, and those of the celebrated nations of ancient Greece.
As soon as the god was supposed to have entered the priest, the latter became violently agitated, and worked himself up to the highest pitch of apparent frenzy, the muscles of the limbs seemed convulsed, the body swelled,
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the countenance became terrific, the features distorted, and the eyes wild and strained. In this state he often rolled on the earth, foaming at the mouth, as if labouring under the influence of the divinity by whom he was possessed, and, in shrill cries, and violent and often indistinct sounds, revealed the will of the god. The priests, who were attending, and versed in the mysteries, received, and reported to the people, the declarations which had been thus received.
When the priest had uttered the response of the oracle, the violent paroxysm gradually subsided, and comparative composure ensued. The god did not, however, always leave him as soon as the communication had been made. Sometimes the same taura, or priest, continued for two or three days possessed by the spirit or deity $ apiece of peculiar native cloth, worn round one arm, was an indication of inspiration, or of the indwell* ing of the god in the individual who wore it. The acts of the man during this period were considered as those of the god, and hence the greatest attention was paid to his expressions, and the whole of his deportment.
In the year 1808, during the civil war between the king and rebel chiefs, of whom Taute was the leader, the priest of Oro, who was known to be not only attached to the king's interests, but a personal friend of Pomare> left the royal camp, and went over to that of the enemy. Many of Pomare's friends endeavoured to persuade him to remain with them, but no one dared to use force, as it was supposed that he acted under the inspiration of the Oro. This circumstance greatly discouraged the king and his friends, and probably prepared the way for their discomfiture, and retreat from the island, as they
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supposed the god had forsaken them, and fought with their enemies.
On another occasion, of more recent date, the god and the prophet were not treated with quite so much respect, but were rather rudely handled. The natives of Rurutu having determined to renounce idolatry, it was proposed by the native teachers that the people should meet together at the sacred enclosure, near the idol temple, where both sexes would unitedly partake of those kinds of food which had heretofore been regarded as sacred, and the eating of which by any female, especially in such a place, the gods would have punished with death.
At a previous meeting, Auura, one of the chiefs, had told a priest, who pretended to be inspired, that he was the very foundation of the deceit, and that he should never deceive them again. Hie priests, however, appeared at the appointed meeting; and one of them, pretending to be inspired, began denouncing, in the name of his god, the most awful punishment upon those that had violated the sacred place. One or two of the natives of Raiatea went up to him, and told him to desist, and not attempt to deceive them any longer, that the people would not tolerate their imposition. Hie priest answered, that it was the god that was within him, and that he was the god* When uruhia, (under the inspiration of the spirit,) .the priest was always considered as sacred as the god, and was called, during this period, atua, god, though at other times only denominated taura, or priest. Finding him determined to persist in his imprecations, one of the christian boatmen from Raiatea said, "If the god is in, we will try and pinch, or twist, him out." Immediately seizing the priest, who already began to shew symptoms of violent convulsive muscular action, they
238 POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
prevented his throwing himself on the ground. For a long time, the priest and one of the Raiateans struggled together; when the god, insulted at the rude liberty taken with his servant, left him, and the priest in silence retired from the assembly.
When one of the priests was exhibiting all the violent gestures of inspiration in Huahine, a bystander observed, that it was all deceit, and that if they were to open the body of the priest, they should not find any god within. The multitude, however, appeared struck with horror at the startling proposal, and seemed to think the individual who had dared to utter it would not escape the signal vengeance of the powerful spirit.
Although so much ceremony, and such extraordinary effects, attended the public or formal intercourse between the god and the people, through the medium of the priest, the communications between the priest and the god were sometimes of an opposite character, and ludicrously colloquial. Mr. Davies, when itinerating round the island of Eimeo, in the early part of his missionary labour in that island, arrived at a village near Tiatae-pua, where he endeavoured to purchase provisions from the inhabitants. Vegetables were procured with facility, but the only animals were a number of fowls, and these belonged to the priest of the adjacent temple. Application was made to this individual, who looked at the articles (scissors, looking-glasses, &c.) offered in exchange, and seemed desirous to barter his fowls for them, but he said they belonged to the god, having been presented as offerings, and that without his leave he dare not part with any.
Again he examined the articles, and then said he would go and ask if the god was willing to part with any of the fowls. He proceeded to the temple, whither he
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23d
was followed by Mr. Davies, who heard his address to the object of hope and fear, in words to the following effect:—" O my atua, or god, here is some good property, knives, scissors, looking-glasses, &c. e hoopaha t/otf, na moa na taua; perhaps I may sell some of the fowls belonging to us two, for it. It will be good property for you and me." After waiting a few moments, he pretended to receive an answer in the affirmative, and returned, stating that the god had consented to the appropriation. The sacred fowls were accordingly hunted by a number of boys and dogs, and several secured, and sold for the above-mentioned articles.
The oracle was not the only method by which the people were accustomed to consult the gods; nor was the inspiration of the priests the exclusive manner by which supernatural direction was revealed to the people. Divination, or augury, was practised in a variety of modes, and by these means it was thought that future events were made known, and information was communicated. Much of their augury was connected with the sacrifices they offered. The diviners noticed the manner in which the victims died, their appearance after death, &c. and by these means determined what was the will of the god.— They had also a singular method of cutting a cocoa-nut, and, by minutely examining its parts, of ascertaining their portentous indications. These ceremonies were generally practised in the temple.
There were others, however, performed elsewhere, as the patu> which consisted in dividing a ripe cocoa-nut into two equal parts, taking the half opposite to that to which the stalk was attached, and proceeding with it in a canoe to some distance from the shore; here the priest offered his prayers; and then placing the cocoa*
240 POLYNESIAN RBSEARCHSS.
nut in the sea, continuing his prayers, and narrowly watching its descent, he thereby pretended to ascertain the result of any measures in which those by whom he was employed were interested* The patu was frequently resorted to while negociations for peace were carried on between parties who had been engaged in war* Divination was employed to discover the cause or author of sickness, or to ascertain the fate of a fleet or a canoe that might hare commenced a distant or hazardous voyage, This latter was often used in the islands to the westward of the Society group.
The natives had also recourse to several kinds of divination, for discovering the perpetrators of acts of injury, especially theft. Among these was a kind of water ordeal. It resembled in a great degree the wen harm of the Hawanans. When the parties who had been robbed wished to use this method of discovering the thief, they sent for a priest, who, on being informed of the circumstances connected with the theft, offered prayers to his demon. He now directed a hole to be dug in the floor of the house, and filled with water 5 then taking a young plantain in his hand, he stood over the hole, and offered his prayers to the god, whom he invoked, and who, if propitious, was supposed to conduct the spirit of the thief to the house, and place it over the water. The image of the spirit, which they imagined resembled the person of the man, was, according to their account, reflected in the water, and being perceived by the priest, he named the individual, or the parties, who had committed the theft, stating that the god had shewn him the image in the water. The priests were rather careful how they fixed upon an individual, as the accused had but slight prospect of escaping, if unable to falsify the charge; but when
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he could do this, the credit of the god and the influence of the priest were materially diminished.
Sometimes the priest, after the first attempt, declared that no answer had been returned, and deferred till the following day the repetition of his enchantments. The report, however, that this measure had been resorted to, generally spread among the people, and the thief^ alarmed at the consequences of haying the gods engaged against him, usually returned the stolen property under cover of the night, and by this superseded the necessity for any further inquiries.—Like the oracles among the nations of antiquity, which gradually declined after the propagation of Christianity, the divinations and spells of the South Sea Islanders have been laid aside since their reception of the gospel. The only oracle they now consult is the Sacred Volume $ and multitudes, there is reason to believe, give to its divine communications unreserved credence, and yield to its requirements the most conscientious obedience.
if. 21
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CHAP. DC.
Increased desire for books—Application from the blind—Account of Hiro, an idolatrous priest—Methods of distributing the Scriptures—Dangerous voyages—Motives influencing to desires for the Scriptures^-Character of the translation—Cause of delay in haptiring the converts—General view of the ordinance—Baptismof the king—Preparatory instructions-First baptism in Huahine^Mode of applying the water—Introduction of Christian names—Baptism of infants—Impressions on the minds of the. parents—Interesting state of the people—Extensive prevalence of a severe epidemic.
A number of elementary books, and several hundred copies of St. Luke's Gospel, printed at Eimeo, and reserved for the Leward Islands, had been distributed among the people. But these were soon found inadequate to meet their daily increasing wants; and the great desire of all classes for books, furnished a powerful stimulus to hasten the printing, and we were soon enabled to furnish a supply of spelling-books.
I have often been amused with the perseverance and ingenuity manifested by the people to procure books, or at least a substitute for them. The bark of the auti, or paper mulberry, was frequently beaten to a pulp, spread out on a board, and wrought and dried with great care, till it resembled a coarse sort of card. This was sometimes cut into pieces about the size of the leaves of a book $ and upon these, with a reed cut in the shape of a pen, and immersed in red or purple vegetable dye, the
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alphabet, syllabic,, and reading lessons of the spelling, book, and the Scripture extracts usually read in the school, have been:neatly and correctly copied. Sometimes the whole was accurately written on one broad sheet of paper—like native cloth, and, after the manner of the ancients, carefully rolled up, except when used. This was often the only kind of book that the natives in remote districts possessed; and many families have, without any other lessons, acquired a proficiency/ that has enabled them to read at once a printed copy of the Scriptures* It has also gratified us, as indicative of the estimation in which the people held every portion of the word of God, and their desire to possess it, to behold them anxiously preserving even the smallest piece of paper, and writing on it texts of the Scripture which they had heard in the place of worship.
These detached scraps of paper containing the sacred texts, were not, like the phylacteries of the Jews, bound on the forehead, or attached to the border of the garment, but carefully kept in a neat little basket. The possessor of such an envied treasure might often be seen sitting on the grass, with his little basket beside him, reading, to his companions around, these portions of the scripture. I have a number in the hand-writing of the natives, some of which they have brought, to have them more fully explained, or to inquire what connexion they bore to parts with which they might be better acquainted.— Their use was, however, superseded by the printing of the Gospel of St. Matthew, an edition of upwards of two thousand copies of which was finished in less than eighteen months after our arrival in Huahine.
The people were anxious to receive them, and multitudes thronged the place where they were preparing, for
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some time before they were ready. The district of Fare presented a scene strongly resembling that which Afareaitu had exhibited when the first portion of die sacred volume was printed there; and many said they could not sleep, from the apprehension of not obtaining a copy. It was not easy to distribute them to the greatest advantage, and we determined to give a copy to none but such as could read 5 but so importunate were many, that we could not abide by our resolution. Sometimes those who were scholars induced their chiefs to apply for a number of copies, guaranteeing their payment, and their suitable appropriation. From this representation, many were given,to the different chiefs; but we found it desirable afterwards, in order to insure the most advantageous distribution, to give only to those who we ourselves were satisfied could read.
Several blind persons applied at the different stations, earnestly soliciting books, stating, that though they could not read, they could hear and remember as well as those who could see. To have denied to those suffering natural darkness the means of obtaining spiritual light, when we had every reason to believe they were sincere in their expression of desire for it, would have been cruel; and we rejoice in having been honoured of God to communicate the gospel, as the servants of Him who—
------" from thick films shall purge the visual ray,
And on the sightless eye-ball poar the day.
It is a most pleasing fact, that, in the South Sea Islands, a number of blind persons have not only had their understandings enlightened by the preceptive parts of Scripture truth, but that to many it has proved " the light of life," more valuable than natural light, as the
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soul it more precious than the body, sad eternity more important than time. Some have died, and we have reason to believe have entered those realms of day, where night and darkness are unknown.
One remarkable instance occurred during the year in which I left the islands. The native name of the individual to whom I allude was Euro. He was the priest of one of the principal temples of Pares, in the lesser peninsula of the island, or fisM Hi. He was a priest of Hiro, the god of plunderers and thieves, and, in perfect accordance with the spirit of his office, was the captain or leader of a band of robbers, who Bpread terror through the surrounding country. He was one of the first and most determined opposers of Christianity in Huahine; reproaching its adherents, defying the power, and die* claiming the authority, of its Author. But, like Saul of Tarsus, he found it hard to resist.
He was in the prime and vigour of manhood, being at the time between thirty and forty years of age. When the number of Christians increased in his neighbourhood, and the Sabbath-day was first publicly observed, in order to shew his utter contempt of christian institutions, he determined to profane that day " in defiance of Jehovah." He repaired for this purpose to the grounds in the neighbourhood of the temple, and engaged in erecting a fence; but while thus employed, his career of impiety was suddenly arrested. The twig of a tree came in contact with his eyes; almost instant blindness followed; and he was led home by his affrighted companions, who Considered it a visitation from the Almighty.
I had frequent interviews with him afterwards, one in the precincts of his own temple, which I visited in company with Messrs. Bennet, Tyerman, and Barff. I have
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already mentioned it- His spirit was subdued; he subsequently became a humble, and, we trust, sincere disciple of that blessed Redeemer whom he had persecuted. He died trusting in the merits of Christ for acceptance with God the Father. The history of the conversion of the great apostle to the Gentiles interested and affected him much $ and though the scales on his bodily eyes were not removed, but his blindness continued until his death, such was the impression which analogy of circumstances produced, that when he presented himself for baptism, he desired to be called Paul,
Other instances of spiritual illumination, equally pleasing, now exist both in the Society and Sandwich Islands, in reference to individuals suffering one of the most distressing and hopeless privations to which humanity is exposed. Some of our most interesting conversations with the natives have been with such. "My eyes," said a blind man one day to Mr. Williams, " behold no Attractive objects when I am engaged in prayer, or hearing the word of God; and yet my heart wanders, and my thoughts are often engaged on other subjects. My eyes see not another man's property, &c»; and yet, when I hear it spoken of, my heart covets it. The objects that tempt others to sin, are unseen by me; but my imagination creates objects of sin, which often occupy my thoughts." • .
The experience of Bartimeus Lalana, a native of the Sandwich Islands, is also; remarkably interesting and satisfactory. Blindness is not more common among the Polynesians than with the inhabitants of other countries j yet there are numbers of aged persons who have lost their sight; and the influence of that sympathy which this affliction always awakens in a Christian bosom, is now
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excited in the natives themselves, though formerly the blind were objects of neglect and ridicule. There is now connected with the Missionary station at Bunaauia, or Binder's Point, a blind man, who can repeat correctly half the Gospel by John, though it has not long been printed.
. When we have been distributing the Scriptures, two or. three fine boys or girls have come, begging for copies, though they could not read; assuring us, they were learning; and, when they have failed, they have entreated that we would write their names on the books, and reserve them till they were able to read. To our satisfaction, in this request they have often been joined by their parents, who have offered payment for the copies. We have usually complied with their wishes, and have witnessed the most entire confidence on their part, as it regarded the ultimate accomplishment of their wishes, when once their names have been written.
It was necessary to select some public place for the distribution of the books; the school-room was fixed upon, and, on the day appointed, the place was actually thronged until the copies were expended. In their application at our own houses, we found it impossible to restrain the people; they filled our yards and gardens, and thronged every window, sometimes to such a degree, that one of the' Missionaries,' Mr. Bicknell, found it necessary to fasten the lower doors' and windows of his house, and retire to the chamber. The natives then procured long bamboo-canes, and, fastening their measure of oil, the price of the book, to one end, lifted it up to the window. Mr. Bicknell was so influenced by the ingenuity and determination of the contrivance, that he distributed a number of copies, by fixing them in a
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silt or notch in the end of the cane presented at hi* window.
When the edition toned from the press in Huahine, the relative proportion for Raiatea, Tahaa, and Borabora, was sent to the Missionaries residing with the people) but the supply was too small, and numbers of the disappointed individuals, supposing they should find a greater abundance at Huahine, came, when the wind was fair, twenty or thirty miles in their canoes, several of which were such small and fragile barks as quite astonished ns. I was really surprised at the temerity of the individuals who had committed themselves to the mercy of the waves of the largest ocean in the world, in the hollowed trunk of a tree, twelve or twenty feet long 5 the sides of which, when the men were in it, were not more than four or five inches above the surface of the water.
It would be too much to suppose that they were all influenced by the highest motives, in the desire they thus manifested fi>r the sacred volume $ but while some probably sought it only as an article of property in high and general esteem, others were undoubtedly actuated by a conviction that it was able to make them wise unto salvation, through faith whieh is in Christ Jesus.
The intensity of ardour manifested by many at fiist,has, as might be expected, subsided: yet still the Scriptures are earnestly sought, and highly prised, by a great portion of the adult population.
The whole of the New Testament has been translated and printed, not indeed in a uniform volume, but in detached portions, which many of the natives have bound up together. Separate portions of the Old Testament have also been translated, and some of the books are printed; it is to be hoped that a uniform edition of the
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Bible will, at no very distant period, be circulated among the people. Whether or not any of the Apocryphal books will ever assume a Polynesian dress, it is impossible to say, but at present it is improbable.
The dialects spoken by the tribes inhabiting the different groups in the South Sea, being strictly analogous to each other, it was hoped that the Tahitian translation of the Scriptures would have answered for the whole; there is, however, reason to fear that distinct translations will be necessary, not only for the Sandwich Islands, the Marquesas, and Tongatabu, but also for the Harvey Islands, which are not more than 600 or 700 miles distant from the Society Isles. So strong a resemblance, however, exists between the dialects, that the Tahitian translation will require only slight variations, the idioms and structure of the language being, in all their distinguishing features, the same.
When the uncultivated nature of the language, into which the Scriptures have been translated, is considered, connected with the remembrance that it is only by the labours of the Missionaries that it has been within the last few years reduced to a system, and employed in a written form, it cannot be expected that these books, more than any other first translations, should be altogether faultless. The knowledge of the Missionaries themselves in the language, notwithstanding thirty years' attention to it, is constantly increasing; and, compared with future translations which their successors or well-educated natives may make, the present will perhaps appear imperfect. Nevertheless, from the qualifications of the translators, their unquestionable integrity, and united patient attention to the preparation of every work, I believe the only imperfections that may be found, will refer to u. 2 k
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minor points of style in idiom or language. Some of the Missionaries excel in acquaintance with die original languages, others with the native dialect, and every copy is inspected by all, before going to the press.
The year 1819 is also distinguished in the annals of the South Sea Islanders, by the administration of the rite of baptism to the first Christian converts in the islands. Pbmare and others made a profession of Christianity in 1813$ names were written down; the change became general during the same year; persecution raged with violence in 1814; the mhabkanta of Tahiti andEimeo embraced the gospel in 1815, and those of the remain* ing group in 1816; and it certainly appears singular that none should have been baptised until 1819. lids delay, however, did not arise from any doubts in the minds of the Missionaries as to the nature of the ordinance itself, the proper subjects of it, or the manner in which it was to be administered; on all these points they were agreed. It arose from a variety of circumstances, peculiar in their kind, local in their influence, and such as they could neither foresee nor control.
At first, their continuance and their existence were very uncertain, in consequence of the efforts of the idolaters, and the war that followed; afterwards the conduct of the king, who, on his first profession, they would not have hesitated to baptize, was such, as to induce them to fear that his baptism would injure the Christian cause among the people; and subsequently, as they were on the point of separating and forming distinct stations, it was thought beat to defer it till they should have entered upon the fields of their permanent labour, where they hoped to gather around them ^congregations of converts, administer the rite of baptism, and form Christian churches.
9QLVNBS1AN RKSJE**GHSS>
&i
The Missionaries considered the proper subjects for the ordinance to be those who professed their faith in Christ* and the children of such individuals: but consider-* able difficulty was experienced in determining what the moral or religious qualifications of the adults ought to be, and the connexion that should exist between their baptism and admission to the sacred communion. Although we read different authors on the subject* their views were seldom altogether adapted to our circumstances, and I believe we derived but little real assistance from any.
We desired to bow only to the authority of scripture, and to follow implicitly its directions. We considered our circumstances by no means dissimilar to those of the individuals foe whose guidance those directions were primarily given. Having the commission of our Lord to his disciples for our warrant, and the conduct of his apostles in the execution of it for our model; we hope we have been enabled to proceed according to the divine will, and in such a manner as to secure the approbation of the Christian churches by which we had been sent to preach Chris* among the gentiles. Our situation at this time was regarded as most critical, and our procedure in this respect such, as it was presumed would have an important bearing on future generations.
Happily, however, for us, and for all placed in similar circumstances, the terms of the commission are unequivocal and explicit j and we could not but perceive, that by the same warrant, in virtue of which we preach the gospel, and, as the word is rendered in the Tahitian, jjrosefyted those among whom we laboured, we were also bound to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The intimate connexion between
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the administration of this rite by the apostles, and the reception of the gospel on the part of those to whom they preached, also convinced us of the design of our Lord, that it should follow the belief in the testimony concerning him, which we were commissioned to deliver. Hence, it was regarded as our duty to baptize those who desired to become the disciples of Christ, as well as to instruct them concerning his will.
We did not apprehend that there was any spiritual virtue or efficacy connected with, or contained, in, baptism, nor did we consider any spiritual blessings com-municated by it, much less that most important of all— the one thing needful, a regeneration of the heart. It appeared designed, by the great Head of the church, to occupy that place in the dispensation of the New Testament, which circumcision did in that of the Old. The acts of desiring and receiving baptism, on the part of the subject of it,' were viewed as a public and solemn renunciation of paganism, and a declaration of discipleship with Christ; and the circumstance of baptism was regarded as constituting the grand, public, and open line of demarkation, between the idolatrous, and the thus separated or christian portions of the community. While we thus felt ourselves bound to baptize those who, like the Ethiopian eunuch, and those to whom Philip preached in Samaria, professed their belief in the Saviour, and the grand truths of the Christian system, we also felt, that it was desirable to receive suitable evidence of the sincerity of such profession.
As to the degree of evidence that should be required, there was a very considerable difference of opinion. A few of our number supposed that no adults should receive this initiatory rite, but such as, there was every
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reason to believe, were regenerated persons; and that a general belief in the testimony that Christ was the Saviour of men, and a desire to receive farther instruction, However sincere it might.be, should be accompanied with an experience of that change of heart, which these truths, under the special influences of the Holy Spirit, are adapted to produce j and, in short, that such only should be baptized as would be at once unhesitatingly admitted to the Lord's supper.
The majority, however, of the Missionaries were of opinion that the ordinances were totally distinct, and that though it was' proper that every church member should have been baptized, yet it did not follow that every one who had received such rite was thereby admitted to church fellowship. Satisfactory evidence of sincerity in belief that Jehovah was the true God, and Jesus Christ the only Saviour, was considered a sufficient warrant for its administration to those who required it.
No one, however, at any time desired to exercise undue influence over the opinions of his coadjutors; and, although uniformity was desirable, we did not think it important to sacrifice much for sameness of sentiment or practice in this respect. After repeated and prayerful de-tiberation, recognizing, and aiming to act, upon the broad and liberal principles upon which the institution, under whose patronage we laboured, was founded, it was mutually agreed that each Missionary should, in his own" station, pursue that course which appeared to him most in accordance with the declarations of scripture.
In two of the stations, or perhaps three, the Missionaries have baptized those only whom they had reason to believe had been baptized by the Holy Ghost, and were Christians in the strictest sense of the term; the
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children of such persona they also baptized. In the other stations* the Missionaries have administered thk rite to all whom they had reason to believe sincere in profession of diacipleship, without requiring evidence of their hav-iog experienced a decisive spiritual change. In thia reapeet some alight difference prevailed, but on every other point there ha* been perfect uniformity in their proceedings*
The first public baptism that occurred in the islands took place in the Royal Mission Chapel aft Papaoa, in Tahiti, on the 16th of July, 1819. Pomare, the king of the island, was the individual to whom, in the midst of what, but a few years before, had been a scoffing, ignorant, obstinate, cruel, and idolatrous nation, that rite was administered. It was the Sabbath-day. The congreg** tkm in the chapel, though leas numerous than during the services of the previous week, amounted to between four and five thousand. The subject of discourse was appro* priate, Matt xxviii. 1S—2Q. At the close of the sermons, the Missionaries gathered round the central pulpit; the ceremony commenced with singing. Mr. BichncH, one of the Missionaries who had arrived in the Duuv implored the Divine blessing, and then, assisted by Mr, Henry, the only other senior Missionary at Tahiti, poured the water on hia head, baptizing him " in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost." Tne venerable Missionary then addressed the king, not without agitation, yet with firmness, "entreating him to walk worthy of his high profession, in the conspicuous station he held before angels, men, and God himself/1 Mr. Henry addressed the people, and Mr. Wilson implored the Divine benediction, that what had been done on earth might be ratified in heaven.
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Although the subsequent conduct of Fomare was a matter of the deepest regret to his best friends, yet there was something in the ceremony unusually imposing j and the emotions associated with it, must hare been intense and interesting, especially to the two elder Missionaries, who had performed the rite. He had been identified with the chief events of their lives; upwards of two and twenty years had rolled by since the providence of God first brought them acquainted with him on the shores of Matavai; and in connexion with that interview which memory would, probably, present in strong and vivid colours on this occasion, they, perhaps, recollected the opinion formed of him, by the humane commander of the Duff, that he appeared the last person likely to receive the gospel. Yet amid the thickest darkness that had ever veiled their prospects, through him the first cheering ray of dawning light had broken upon them: he was their first convert; in every difficulty, he had been their steady friend; in every labour, a ready coadjutor; and had now publicly professed that his faith was grounded on that rock whereon their own was fixed, and his hopes, with theirs, derived from one common source. What intense and mingled hopes and fears must have pervaded their hearts 1 what hallowed joy must they have felt in anticipation of his being with them an heir of immortality, chastened with appalling, and not ungrounded fears, that after all he might become a cast-away.
Numbers, both adults and children, were subsequently baptized in the Windward Islands, but It was not until some months after, that the ordinance was dispensed to any in the Leward or Society group.
It was in Huahine that the first, from among those who had renounced paganism in the Leeward Islands, were
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thus initiated into the outward church of Christ. Hua-hine was a new station, and few of the inhabitants, when we landed, knew much more of Christianity than its name. Fifteen months had elapsed since our arrival, and during that period, we had made the doctrines and general' precepts' of the gospel the topicB of our discourses, among a people who had every thing to learn. Many of them now came forward, declaring their desire to become altogether the disciples of the Saviour, to make a public profession of faith in him by baptism, and to seek instruction in all his will. We found that, had we been so disposed, we could no longer defer the rite, with regard at least to some of those who applied.
Anxious that it should be on their part a reasonable act, and that, before being received, it should be understood!, we proposed to meet one afternoon every week, with those who desired to be baptized. At this meeting we endeavoured to instruct them in the nature, origin, design, and subjects of the ordinance, together with the duties of those who should receive it. There was no wish on our parts to baptize by stratagem, as some of the popish Missionaries have done, but we sought to make the peo-ple well acquainted with the matter in all its bearings.— At the first weekly assemblies, between twenty and thirty of the most promising of the converts attended, afterwards the numbers exceeded four or five hundred.
In the instructions given, the Scriptures, and the Scriptures only, were our guide; and we endeavoured to inculcate the doctrine as we found it there, and as if it had never been* controverted. Our warrant for its administration we derived from our Lord's commission to the first Missionaries, which was also our own. In its nature, we instructed them not to consider baptism as possessing any
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saving efficacy, or conferring any spiritual benefit, but being on our parts a duty connected with our office, and on theirs a public declaration of discipleship or prpselytism to the Christian faith 5 designed to teach all, their moral defilement in the sight of God, and their need of that washing of regeneration, and spiritual purification, which it figuratively signified*
The duties of those who desired it were also inculcated, and the necessity that existed not only for their renunciation of every open idolatrous practice, and attention to instruction in the principles, but a deportment accordant with the precepts of Christianity, and the. conspicuous situation in which this very act would place them, before those!by whom they were surrounded. We also informed them, that it appeared to us from the Scripture, that the ordinance was designed for believers and their children, and therefore directed that, as they desired them to be brought up in the Christian faith, they should dedicate them to Jehovah by baptism. It was found necessary, at the. same time, plainly to caution them against supposing there, was in baptism any thing meritorious, or. on account of which they would receive any special blessing from God, other than that which would follow general obedience to his word. This was the more requisite, as there was reason to apprehend, that from the influence of a system in which strict observance of rites and ceremonies, without regard to motive or moral character, was all that was necessary, they might rest satisfied with having received the mere external declaratory, rite. We also endeavoured carefully to avoid holding out any prospect of distinction, or temporal advantage, as an inducement to the people to apply for baptism, but constantly and plainly represented its observance as only an •if. 2l
368 PQLYN9&1AH .RBSBARCHS*.
act of obedience to Him whom they professed to desire for their Master and their Lord, and who had promised that his ptople ihould be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
This Weekly meeting v*as designed to answer Soother purpose, that of affording us the means of jmlging at the smcerity of the candidates, as well as of imparting to them necessary instruction* After several months had been decupled in devoting one afternoon in the week to their instruction, it was deemed proper to baptise a number of candidates^ and two of thaw children,
it was now necessary to determine upon the mode i this had nerer appeared to us the most important part of the matter. We should not hare objected to immerse any individuals who had themselves desired it. But as the Scriptures are not decisive on this point, and though H is stated that PhiHp and the Eunuch went down to the Water, or into the Water, yet it Was not m this act, bat in II* application of water in the nameof the Trinity, that we eonsidsre d baptism to consist: in such application, it is |pet stated that the Eunuch was immersed. Hence, we did not explain this, or other passages of similar import, as signifying immersion—and consequently the converts did not desire it* Set had one of our own number thought it right to have administered this rite by immersion, I do not think we should have said he acted wrong tftsodeing* In this respect, however, there was no difference of opinion, and consequently n perfect uniformity of practice prevailed. With regard to the other modes, we did not think H was very material whether we poured of sprinkled the element upon the individual.
Hie 13th of September, 1919, was teed for tike bap* tism of the nv*t converts in Ruahme. It was also the Sebbeth. A suitable discourse was delivered in the
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269
morning to a numerous congregation, who thronged the chapel Mr* Davies, being the senior Missionary at Um station, officiated, assisted, by Mr. Barf and myself.
The climate in the South Sea bland* U remarkably fine, the weather warm, the streams abundant, and the waters clear as crystal; and, had we been disposed to perform the serVice in the open air, under the shade of a spreading grove, we had every facility for so doing. The converts might have been led into the river, and, standing en the bank or in the stream ourselves, we nuglit have applied Its waters to their persons, using the words prescribed. On such occasions, the most delightful scenes oi which it is possible for imagination to conceive, would have been presented; scenes similar perhaps to those often witnessed by the disciples in the days of the apostles; and for the sake of effect, and the associations they would have awakened, I have sometimes for a moment wished we had. But the wish has only been momentary, for whatever might have been the impression of such a scene, or the emotions enkindled, they would not have been attended with any valuable practical result. On the present, therefore, and every subsequent occasion, the rite was administered before the whole congregation, in the place of worship.
During the ordinary morning worship, the approved candidates sat in front of the pulpit. At its close, they kept their places, and, after imploring the divine bless* ing upon the service, we proceeded to its performance. Their profession of faith in Christ, and desire to be instructed in Ins word, had been received at a preceding meeting; and it was only necessary now, after a short address to the whole, to ask the name of each adult, and the parents the names of their children.
260 POLYNESIAN RBSSA&CHBS.
This, Mr. Davies did,—beginning with Mahine, the principal hereditary chieftain of the island. Having received his reply, Mr. Davies immersed his hand in a vessel of water, which.Mr. BarfF or myself held by his.side, and then holding his hand over the crown or forehead of the chief, while the Water from his hand Bowed or fell upon Mahine's head, Mr. Davies pronounced aloud, with distinctness and solemnity, Mahine e tapape du vau ia oei teioaote Medua, eo te Tamaidi, eo te Varna maitai: " Mahine, I apply water to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost/' Repeating the same words, and applying the water in the same manner, to every individual, he proceeded to baptize the whole number, who kept their seats during the ceremony.
Mahine was .not baptized first, because he was the king of the island, but because he was one of the earliest converts, and had been most diligent in his attention, and consistent in deportment. We were careful to avoid giving any preference to rank and station, simply as such; and, on the present occasion, we beheld Hautia, the governor of the island, and others of high rank, sitting by the side of the humble peasants of the land.' In reference to civil or political station, we always inculcated the requirements of the gospel, that all should render honour to whom honour is due, invariably presenting a suitable example of the most respectful behaviour to individuals of distinguished rank or station. But in the church of God, and in the participation of the privileges of Christianity, we as invariably taught that all were brethren, that there was no precedence derived from worldly station, that one only was our lord and king, the Saviour himself. This principle we were happy to see recognized by themselves on this
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occasion, as some of the principal chiefs sat at the lowest end* -
The word tapape, used in the first instance, was that which appeared the most suitable, as we were anxious to divest the rite of every thing extraordinary or mysterious. The signification of the word is to apply water, without expressing the precise mode of application.. They have no word answering to the term baptize, as now understood in the English language, though they have distinct words for sprinkling, pouring, bathing, &c., but we con < sidered the simple application of water to approach nearer to the original word baptisto, than either of these; and it seemed so appropriate, as to render it unnecessary to introduce any other. Subsequently, however, our opinions changed, and we adopted the original word, which in Tahitian is written ba-pa-H-zo, and used only to signify this sacred rite.
The water was not sprinkled on the face with force, the sign of the cross was not made, nor was water poured on the head from any vessel, but, taking one hand from the vessel containing the water, and holding it over the individual, we allowed so much water as was held in or attached to the hand, to fall upon the crown or fore* head of the baptized, pronouncing, at the same time, the name, and the words prescribed in the Gospels.
Some dimculty was experienced with regard to the names, as many of the natives, especially the chiefs, have a number $ some of office, others hereditary, and not a few intimately connected with their former idolatry, or its abominable institutions. It was not thought desirable that they should assume a new name on receiving baptism, or that it should interfere with any name of office, station, or hereditary title, that might
262
POLYNESIAN RMSABCBS*.
appertain unto them. But every blasphemously idol** trous or impure name, (and those of some of the Aveoift and priests were so to a most afiecttng degree,) we recommended should be discontinued, and that they should select those names, by which, in future, they would wish to be designated. A few of the adults chose foreign; and in general scriptural names, for themselves or their children*
This produced a considerable change In their language. Formerly, all names were descriptiTe of some event or quality—as Fanauao, day-born, Fanaupo, night-born, Mataara, wakeful or bright-eyed, Matamoa, sleepful or heavy-eyed, Paari, wise, or Matauore, fearless, &e. A number of terms were now introduced, as Adamu Adam; Noa Noah, Davida David, Ieremia Jeremiah, Hezekia Hezckiah, Iacoba James, Ioane John, Petero Peter, ftc. with no other signification than being the names of the persons. With regard to infants, we only baptized those whose parents, one or both, were themselves baptized,-and desired thus to dedicate their children to God, and engaged to train them in the principles of Christianity j and then we only baptized infants, unless the children of more advanced years understood the nature of the ordi** nance, and themselves desired to make, by this act, a public profession of their discfpleship to Christ, and their wishes to be instructed in his word*
Sometimes the infant was held In the arms of its parent, who stood up while the rite was administered; at other times, and I believe invariably, during subsequent years, we have taken the child in the left arm, and baptized it. with the right hand. Whenever any of our own children have been baptized, we have brought them to the chapel, and have performed the ceremony at the
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963
tame time and in the tame way as with the natives; that they might perceive thai is thia respect there waa no difference between us*
The baptism of infants has certainly been among the most interesting religion* exercises in which we hare engaged. It waa generally performed after morning scr-vtoe on the Sabbath. We usually addressed a short and affectionate exhortation to the parents, enforcing their responsibility, and dnty towards the dear children they were thus offering; not indeed as an innocent child waa formerly offered in. sacrifice to senseless idol*, or to a cruel imaginary deity, but to be trained up in the nur-tare and admonition of that Divine Parent, who has said, "I love them that love me, and those that seek me eariy shall fin* me."
I have been sometimes almost overwhelmed on beholding the intensity of mingled reeling, with which three or lour sweet smiling infants have, been brought by their respective parents to the rustic baptismal font. I have fancied, in the strongly expressive countenances of the parents, the lively emotions of gratitude, and the bright ray of hope and anticipated joy in the future progress of tiie child, when it should exhibit the effects of that inward change, of which this was the outward sign.
In strong and distressing contrast with sensations of this hallowed and delightful kind, I have supposed the memory of far different acts, in which, as parents, many of them had been engaged, has remained j I have supposed that recollection has presented the winning look of conscious innocence, which some dear babe has cast upon them, or the plaintive cry which from its lisping tongue first broke upon their ears, but which was unheeded; and tiiey monstrously committed eool, inhuman mur-
264 rOLYNJCSIAN RBSBARCHXff.
der—when they should have cherished the tenderest and softest sensibilities of the human bosom: I believe this has not been in my imagination only* The feeling depicted in the humane and Christian parent's countenance, suffused with tears, has often been an index of no common inward agitation. Subsequent conversation has confirmed the met; and many have brought their children to present them unto God in baptism, who, while idolaters, had more than once or twice been guilty of the barbarous crime of infant murder. This practice is abolished; and, instead of shameless murder, or pagan sacrifice, the parents now delight to bring their infants to the house of worship, and thus dedicate them to God, I have been often rather agreeably surprised at the anxiety of the parents to have their, children baptized. Without inquiring into the origin of this solicitude, I believe it is not confined to the inhabitants of the South Sea Islands, and is certainly not unpleasant to behold. I recollect at one time the parents of three children came with considerable earnestness, and requested me to bap* tize their infants, rather earlier than I thought it should be done. It was not at Huabine, and the Missionary, under whose care the station was more particularly placed, was absent; I therefore proposed to defer it till his arrival. They pressed me not to decline; and one of them stated as a reason, that her child had been ill, and she was afraid it should die without having been baptized. " Suppose," I replied, "that it should, you know that the child will not lose thereby. No persons will be admitted to heaven simply because they have been baptized, nor will any be excluded therefrom merely because they have not." "Yes," answered the mother, "I know that; yet I do not feel satisfied now, but when it has been bap-
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265
tized, my mind will become easier." I could not reprove her; I endeavoured, however, to impress upon her mind the conviction, that the ordinance, though a duty, did not itself confer any spiritual benefit, and relieved her mind by informing her, that I would baptize the child at the close of the evening service.
In the preceding detail, I have, perhaps, been more prolix and minute than the importance of the subject may appear to demand; I have been influenced by a desire to give that information relative to our proceedings in this respect, to the friends of Missions in general, and to the patrons of the South Sea Mission in particular, to which, from the interest they have taken, and the support they have afforded, I have considered them justly entitled, and which I cannot but hope will be satisfactory.
Although I have only given the proceedings of one station, I believe that, with the exception of some of the Missionaries baptizing only such adults as they consider to be true Christians, and eligible for church fellowship, the procedure has been uniform in all. With us, those were baptized who made a credible profession of belief in Christ, and a desire to become his disciples, without any immediate view to church fellowship, which we considered a subsequent measure.
An address on the nature of baptism, and the duties of those who had received it, was printed after the first administration, and widely circulated, apparently with good effect. The weekly meeting for instructing those who desired baptism, was continued, and the first dispensing of that ordinance produced an astonishing effect upon the people. Multitudes, who had heretofore been indifferent, now appeared in earnest about religion, and
II. 2 Mt
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POLYNESIAN RBSBARCflKS.
the candidate* soon amounted to lour hundred. These who had been baptized, also, in general attended the meetings.
A state of religious feeling, such as J never witnessed caeemdbere, and equal to any aeeonnts of revivals m America or other parts, of which I ever, vend, new prevailed, not only in Huahine, bat in the other Missionary stations. The schools and meetings were punctually and regularly attended. The inhabitants of remote districts came and took up their abode at the Missionary settlement; and nothing could repress the ardow of the people in what appeared to us their search after the means of aaaaiiiaig theBmne jsvomr. Often have we been aroused vat break of day, by fasaans r ninlng to inquire what they nsaetdotoJmsssusl amia Uajj might obtain theistgHe-ness of their sins, and the favour of God; expressing their desires to become the people of God, and to renounce every practice contrary to christian consistency.
Many were undoubtedly influenced by a desire of baptism; that had introduced a new distinction, which* notwithstanding our endeavours to prevent, they probably thought must confer some temporal or spiritual advantage on those who received it. JBut with others it was not so, as the event has satisfactorily proved: sauywho at this time were awakened to an extraordinary religious concern, have ever since remained stedifast in their principles, and uniform in the practice of every christian virtue. We now felt more than ever the responsibility of our situation, and were afraid lest we should discourage, and throw a stumbling block in the way of those who were sincerely inquiring after God. Yet we felt no less apprehension lest we should be the means of encouraging desires, and cherishing the delusive hopes of such
POVg*M8tA» BBSBARCHBS. 967
a* were either deceiving themselves or others, and, under cover of seeking the favour of God, were actually pursuing that which they imagined would improve their temporal condition, or add to their respectability in society. Some who had been baptized, we found' it necessary to admonish, lest they should rest satisfied with the attainments already made, and neglect the more important considerations*
In the interesting and critical duties now devolving upon us, we endeavoured to act with caution, taking the word of God for our directory, and bearing in mind at the same time the peculiar circumstances of the people; avoiding precipitancy in our public measures: so that, if we erred, it might be on the side of extreme carefulness. Hie everlasting welfare of the people was our only object; tikis we considered would not eventually suffer, whatever might be the effeet of withholding baptism from those who might be proper subjects for it. But by administering this rite to those who sought it from improper motives, should it render them satisfied with the sign, instead of the divine influence signified, we might become accessary to their fatal delusion.
Under the influence of these impressions, we were perhaps led to defer the rite of baptism to those Who applied for it, longer than we ought to have done; and I have known many who have been candidate* upwards of one or two years. Their views of the doctrine have been in general correct, in their conduct there has been nothing unchristian or immoral, and they have uniformly expressed their desires to become the true disciples of Christ; but during that period we have not baptized them, merely because we have apprehended they did not feel the necessity of that purification of heart of which
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baptism is only the external sign.' When we first administered that ordinance, we had no idea of the natives thronging in such numbers to receive it, and consequently had not deliberated on the term of that probation which we afterwards deemed it desirable to institute. The same interesting state of the people by which the close of 1819 had been distinguished, marked the commencement of 1820. Never were our direct Missionary labours more arduous and incessant; and yet during no period of our residence there, were they more delightful. We beheld indeed the isles waiting for the laws and institutions of Messiah, and felt that we had been sent to a people emphatically prepared of the Lord, made willing in the day of his power.
The inhabitants of the remote districts which we had periodically visited, were many of them no longer satisfied with an opportunity for conversation on religious subjects once a week, but came and built their houses in the neighbourhood of Fare. We recommended those who remained, to do the same; and soon after the annual meetings in May, they so far complied as to render it unnecessary for us to visit these stations.
Our spacious chapel was opened in the latter end of April, on which occasion I read a translation of the sixth chapter of the second book of Chronicles, and afterwards preached from the sixth verse. Our Missionary meeting was remarkably well attended, and the subscriptions pro-portionably liberal; they amounted to between three and four thousand gallons of oil, besides cotton, and other trifling articles.
In the midst of this delightful state of things, the stations were visited with a distressing epidemic, which spread through the whole group of islands, and proved
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269
fatal to many of the people. It was a kind of influenza, affecting the lungs and throat; many attacked with it lost their voice. We suffered in common with the people, and I was obliged to relinquish all public duty for some weeks. This kind of calamity has been frequently experienced in the islands since they have been the resort of foreign shipping, though we are not aware that it prevailed before. A kind of dysentery appeared after the visit of Vancouver's ship, which called at the islands in 1790, and proved fatal to a vast portion of the population. In the year 1800, the Britannia, a London vessel, anchored at Taiarabu. Two seamen absconded, and a disease followed, less fatal, but very distressing, and more extensive, as scarcely an individual escaped.
These diseases have generally passed through the islands from the east to the west, in the direction of the trade winds. After the above appeared among the people, it was for some months confined to the Windward Islands; and so general was its prevalence, that Pomare one day said to Mr. Nott, "If this had been a fatal or killing disease, like that from Vancouver's ship, no individual would have survived."
As it began to subside, a canoe, called Hareaino, arrived from the Leeward Islands, and after remaining a week or two at Tahiti, returned to Huahine. Shortly after this, the people who had been in the canoe were attacked, and the disease ultimately spread as completely through this group, as it had through that at which the foreign vessel touched. Within the last two years, a disorder, in many respects similar to that left by the crew of Vancouver's vessel, has again swept through the islands, and carried off numbers of the people.
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CHAP. X.
« Former diseases in the islands comparatively few and mild—Pries* (he
general physicians—Native practice of physic—Its intimate *<*witton with sorcery—Gods of the healing art—The tuabu, or broken back— Insanity—Native warm-bath—Oculists—Surgery—Setting a broken neck and back—Hie operation of trepan—Native remedies superseded by European medicine—Need of a more abundant supply*—Former cruelty towards the sick—Parricide—Present treatment of invalids —Visits to Maeva—Native fisheries—Prohibitions—Enclosures—Salmon and other nets—Use of the spear—Various kinds of hooks and lines—The van tira—Fishing by torch-light—Instance of native honesty.—Death of Messrs. Testier and Bkknell—Dymg charge to the people Missionary responsibility.
Tbb diseased formerly prevailing among the South Sea Islanders were comparatively few; those from which they now suffer are principally pulmonary, intermittent, and cutaneous. Hie most fatal are, according to their account, of recent origin. While idolaters, they were accustomed to consider every bodily affliction as the result of the anger of their gods; and the priest was a more important personage, in time of sickness, than the physician. Native practitioners who were almost invariably priests or sorcerers, were accustomed to apply such healing remedies as the islands afforded; and an invocation to some spirit or god attended the administration of every medicine. Tama, Taaroatuihono, Bteate, and Rearen, were the principal gods of physic and surgery. The former, in particular, was invoked for the cure of fractures and bruises.
POLYNESIAN BBSS ARC BBS. 2^1
From the gods the priests pretended to have received the knowledge of the healing art, and to them a part of the lee of the physician was considered to belong. No animal or mineral substances were admitted into their pharmacopoeia; vegetable substances alone were used, and these simply pulverised, infused, heated on the fire, or with red-uot stones, and often fermented. Many of their applications, however, were very powerful, especially a aperies of gourd, or wild cucumber. A preparation, in which the milk of the pulp of the cocoa-ant was a principal ingredient, was sometimes followed by almost instant death. Air. fiarff once took this preparation, at the earnest recommendation of the people; but it nearly cost him his life, although he had not drank more than half the quantity prepared.
Frequently, when some medicines were about to be administered, the friends and relatives of the patient were sent for, that they might be at hand, should the effect be unfavourable* They often expected it would either save or destroy the patient. A number of ceremonies were connected with every remedy applied; and much greater dependence was placed on die efficacy of the prayers, than on the eject of the medieine.
When a person was taken ill* the priest or physician was eent for i as soon as he arrived, a young plantain-tree, procured by some members of the family, was handed to him, as an ottering to the god; a present of cloth was also furnished, as his own foe. He began by calling upon the name of his god, beseeching him to abate his anger towards the sufferer, to say what would propitiate him, or what applications would afford relief* Sometimes remedies were applied at the same time, or the relatives sent to fetch certain herbs or roots, but the priest usually
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went himself to compound the raau or medicine : a considerable degree of mystery was attached to their proceedings! and the physicians appeared unwilling that others should know of what their preparations consisted. They pretended to be instructed by their god, as to the herbs they should select, and the manner of combining them. Different raaus, or medicines, were used for different diseases ; and although they kept the composition of their nostrums a secret, they were not unwilling that the report of their efficacy might be known, in order to their being employed by others. Hence, when a person was afflicted with any particular disease, and the inquiry made as to who should be sent for, it was not unusual to hear it said—" O ta mea U raau maitai no ia mot,"—such a one has a good medicine for this disease.
The small-pox, measles, hooping-cough, and a variety of other diseases, to which most European children are subject, are unknown j yet they have a disease called omho, which in its progress, and the effects on the face, corresponds with the small-pox, excepting that it is milder, and the inequalities it leaves on the skin soon disappear. There is another disease, somewhat analogous to this, resembling the species of erysipelas called shingles, for the cure of which the natives apply a mixture of bruised herbs and pulverized charcoal. Inflammatory tumors are prevalent; and the only remedy they apply, is a mixture of herbs bruised with a stone. Asthmatic, and other pulmonary affections also occur, and, with persons about the age of twenty, generally prove fatal.
Among the most prevalent and obstinate diseases to which, as a nation, they are exposed, is one which terminates in a permanent affection of the spine; it usually appears in early life, commencing in the form of an inter*
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273
mittnnt and remittent. The body is reduced almost to a skeleton; and the disease terminates in dearth, or a large curvature of the spine, so as considerably to diminish the height of the individual, and cause a very unsightly pro* trusion of the spine between the shoulders, or a curvature inwards, causing the breast-bones to appear unusually prominent. Multitudes in every one of the Society Islands are to be seen deformed by this disease, which the natives call tuapu, literally, projecting; or as we should say, humped-back.
After this curvature has occurred, the patient usually recovers, and, although greatly deformed, does not appear more predisposed to disease than others. Those individuals are often among the most active, intelligent, and ingenious of the people.
Connected with this disease, there are two remarkable circumstances. I am not prepared to say that it is here* ditary, but the children of such persons are more frequently the subjects of it than others. It is also singular that it should prevail principally among the lower classes of society, the farmers and the mechanics. I know of no principal chief, and I cannot recollect any one even of secondary rank, thus afflicted: yet their rank and statiou are hereditary. This single fact rendevamore striking than it otherwise would be, the difference in appearance be* tween the chiefs and people, and it maty certainly warrant the inference that the meagre living of the latter exposes them to maladies, from which a more generous diet and comfortable mode of life exempt their superiors.
Some say this singular complaint was unknown to
their ancestors, and has only prevailed since they have
been visited by foreign shipping. It does not prevail
among the inhabitants of the surrounding islands; but
11. 2 n
274 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
whether it be of recent' origin or not in Tahiti, it is, very, affecting to witness the numbers that have suffered; and we cannot but hope: that as industry and civilization, advance, and their mode of living improves, it will in an equal ratio disappear from among them.
• ^Blindness is frequently induced by the same disease as that which precedes the spinal curvature. The condition of the blind, when suffered to live, must, under the reign of idolatry, have been, truly lamentable-^they-were generally objects of derision and neglect, if not of wanton cruelty. ' - • ' -
* Insanity prevailed in a slight degree,-but individuals under its influence met with a very different kind of treatment. Tliey were supposed to be inspired or possessed by some god, whom the natives imagined had entered every one suffering under mental aberrations. On this account no control was exercised, but the highest respect was shewn them. They were, however, generally avoided, and their actions were considered as the deeds of. the god, rather than- the man. ; Under these circumstances, when the poor wretch became his own destroyer, it was not regarded as an event to be deplored. Deafness was sometimes experienced; and there are a few persons in the islands who can neither speak nor hear distinctly.
. In their application to particular diseases, the priests manifested considerable acquaintance with the medicinal properties of the herbs, and their adaptation to the disease, to relieve which they were employed; but their practice must have been very uncertain and ineffectual, though they were held in high esteem by all ranks. Convulsions being sometimes experienced, were considered to result from the direct power of the god. Sudden
.POLYNESIAN. RESEARCHES. 2J5
death was also; attributed to the same cause—and an attack so terminating, was called rima atua: "hand of god.? .Those who died suddenly were also said to be haruMa e te atua, or uumehia e te atua:." seized by the god, or strangled by the god.". Indeed, the gods' were supposed to send all the diseases with which they were afflicted.
. Whatever mystery they might attach to the preparation and use of. medicine,.their practice of. surgery, and application of external remedies, were more, simple, and straightforward. They did.not apply friction: in:the same manner as the Sandwich Islanders sometimes do, viz. by placing the patient flat on the ground, and rolling a twelve or fourteen pound shot backwards and forwards along the back; but in a far more gentle manner, by rubr bing with the hands the muscles of the limbs, and pressing them in the same way as the Indians practise shampooing.
The natives had.no method of using the warm-bath; but often seated their patients on a pile of heated stones strewed over with green herbs or leaves, and kept, them covered with a thick cloth till the most profuse perspiration was induced. In this state, to our great astonishment, at the most critical, seasons of illness, the.patient would, leave the heap of stones, and plunge into, the sea, near which the oven, was generally heated. Though- the shock must have been very great, they appeared to sus-tain no injury from .this .transition. - - " »
,. There were persons among them. celebrated as oculists, .but their skill .principally consisted, in removing foreign substances from the eye;/and when, applied to for this purpose, they, as well as others, received the payment or fee before they commenced their operations $
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and if the present did not satisfy them, if they took one splinter, &c. out of the eye, to satisfy the employers, they left another in, that they might be sent for again. Their surgeons were remarkably dexterous in closing a cut or thrust, by drawing the edges carefully together, and applying the pungent juice of the ape, arum testatum, to the surface. This, acting like caustic, must have caused great pain.
A fractured limb they set without much trouble: apply* ing splinters of bamboo-cane to the sides, and binding it up till it was healed. A dislocation they usually succeeded in reducing $ but the other parts of their Burgi-cal practice were marked by a rude promptness, temerity, and barbarism, almost incredible. A man one day fell from a tree, and dislocated some part of his neck. His companions, on perceiving it, instantly took him up! one of them placed his head between his own knees, and held it firmly; while the others, taking hold of his body, twisted the joint into its proper place.
On another occasion, a number of young men, In the district of lure, were carrying large stones, suspended from each end of a pole across their shoulders, their usual mode of carrying a burden: one of them so injured the vertebra, as to be almost unable to move; he had, as they expressed it,/art t$ t%m, broken the back. His fellow-workmen laid him flat on his face on the grass; one grasped and pulled his shoulders, and the other his legs, while a third actually pressed with both knees his whole weight upon the back, where the bones appeared displaced. It was not far from Mr. Barifs house where the accident occurred, and, observing the people assembled, he went to inquire the cause, and saw them thus engaged. On his asking what they doing, they
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coolly replied, that they were only straightening the man's back, which had been broken in with carrying tones. The vertebra) appeared to be replaced; they bound a long girdle repeatedly round his body, led him home, and, without any other treatment, he was in a short time able to resume his employment.
The operation of trepanning they sometimes attempted, and say they have practised with success. It is reported that there are persons living in the island of Borabora on whom it has been performed, or at least an operation very much resembling it: the bones of the skull having been fractured in battle, they have cleared away the skin and coverings, and, having removed the fractured piece of bone, have carefully fitted in a piece of cocoa-nut shell, and replaced the covering and skin; on the healing of which, the man has recovered. I never eaw any individual who had undergone this operation, but, from the concurrent testimony of the people, I have no doubt they have performed it.
It is also related, although I confess I can scarcely believe it, that on some occasions, when the brain has been injured as well as the bone, they have opened the skull, taken out the injured portion of the brain, and, having a pig ready, have killed it, taken out the pig's brains, put them in the man's head, and covered them up. They persist in stating that this has been done 5 but add, that the persons always became furious with madness, and died. They had no idea of phlebotomy as a remedy for dkease, but were clever at lancing an abscess, which was generally effected with the thorn from a kind of bramble, or a shark's tooth.
However great the influence of those persons who administered medicine, or practised surgery, might
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formerly have been, it has entirely ceased since the people have been acquainted with the more certain and efficacious application. of. English .'medicine. Like the priests in their' temples formerly, the minister of their religion, at every, station, is now sought in all cases of sickness, as their physician; and no small portion of our time was occupied in administering medicine, so far as our scanty means would admit.
• This is a task' necessarily devolving upon the Missions ries, as the only Europeans residing amongst them, either possessing medicine, or knowing how to use it; and it is a claim which we never desired to refuse. It is perfectly compatible with the higher, duties of our station—the cure of their spiritual maladies. We have only to. regret that we have not possessed better qualifications, and more ample means for its efficient discharge. .. So long as our family medicine has lasted, we.have been ready to share it with those who were in* need, and have often been thankful (when afflicted ourselves, and destitute,) to receive the simple remedies they were, able to supply. . The. Missionary Society has, readily furnished. us with medical books and instruments; and for our own use, a liberal supply of medicines: but ;it has generally been inadequate to the wants of the people. Medicine is'expensive; and perhaps it would not be; considered a just appropriation of the Society's funds, to expend them in providing medicine for those among whom its agents labour; yet it is one of the; most affecting, sights, a Missionary can witness, when visiting his people, to be; hold them, enduring the most painful suffering, pining under the influence of disease, and perhaps sinking.into a premature grave, and to know that if, he had the means within his reach, he could at least relieve them.
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* The occurrences are not unfrequent, wherein an anxious parent brings a poor sickly child to his house; with which she is obliged to return unrelieved, not because the disease is remediless, but because'the'Missionary has not, it may be, a cheap and'-simple remedy to bestow. The natives would .cheerfully purchase so valuable an article as medicine, but they have no means of doing so, by bartering in the. islands the produce of their-labour. If they send it to England, the return is distant and uncertain; and mistakes, embarrassing to them, are likely to occur. It is to be hoped, however, that aB the means of intercommunication become more frequent and regular, these difficulties will be removed. Several generous individuals have laid the people of some of the islands under great obligations, of which they are duly sensible, by sending them out,'gratuitously, a liberal -supply of the most useful medicines* •>
It may .not be necessary for a Missionary in a civilized nation, where the healing art is cultivated, or going to a country where European colonies are settled, or commercial establishments are formed, to be acquainted with the practice of physic. - It is, however, important, and ought to be borne in .mind by those who are; looking forward to Missionary work, and by those who patronize them; that it would be of the highest advantage for one going to an uncivilized people, to be acquainted with the qualities and use of medicine.
• A degree of proficiency that would qualify him to practise in his native country, is not necessary. But so much knowledge as would enable him to be exceedingly serviceable to the people, to win their confidence and affection, and to confer on him an influence the most important and advantageous, in accomplishing the great objects of
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hit mission, might be acquired prior to his departure from England, without in any injurious degree diverting his attention from other pursuits. I speak from painful experience of deficiency of the means for meeting the necessities of my own family, as well as those of the people among whom I have resided. I know they still exist, and therefore express myself more strongly than I should otherwise feel warranted to do.
The introduction of Christianity has been followed by a greater alteration in their general circumstances, than even the medical treatment of the sick. The change has been highly advantageous to the sufferers, who formerly experienced the greatest neglect, and often the most affecting cruelty. As soon as an individual was aJfectsd with any disorder, he was considered as under the ban of the gods: by some crime, or the influence of some enemy, he was supposed to have become obnoxious to their anger, of which his malady was the result.
These ideas relative to the origin of diseases, had a powerful tendency to stifle every feeling of sympathy and compassion, and to restrain all from the exercise of those acts of kindness that are so grateful to the afflicted, and afford such alleviation to their sufferings. The attention of the relatives and friends was directed to the gods, and their greatest efforts were made to appease their anger by offerings, and to remove the continuance of its effects by prayers and incantations. The simple medicine admini-nistered, was considered more as the vehicle or medium by which the god would act, than as possessing any power itself to arrest the progress of disease.
if their prayers, offerings, and remedies were found unavailing, the gods were considered implacable, and the afflicted person was doomed to perish. Some heinous
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crime was supposed to have been committed. Whenever a chief of any distinction was afflicted, some neglect or insult was supposed to have been shewn to the gods or the priest, and the most costly offerings were made to avert the effects of their wrath, and secure the recovery of the chieftain. Human victims were sometimes sacrificed, ceremonies performed, and prayers offered. These were not made to the national idol, but to the tutelar god of the family.
They were all, at times, unavailing; and when they imagined, in consequence of the rank or ancestry of the chief, that the deity ought to have been propitious, but they found he was not, and the sufferer did not recover, with a singular promptitude, in powerful contrast with their ordinary conduct towards their gods, they execrated the idol, and banished him from the temple, choosing in his place some other deity that they hoped would be favourable.
The interest manifested in the recovery of their chief would depend much upon his age. If advanced-in years, comparatively little concern would be felt for his restoration. Old age was seldom treated with respect, often with contempt,and cruelty.
In seasons of illness, especially if protracted, the common people, and the aged, received but little attention. If the malady was not soon relieved by the prayers of the priest, and the remedies he administered, the sufferer was abandoned. Sometimes he was allowed to remain in the house of those with whom he was connected.— But, in general, a small temporary hut was erected with a few cocoa-nut leaves, either near a stream, or at a short distance from the dwelling. Into this, as to the condemned cell, the sick person was removed. For a time, u. o
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the children or friends would supply a scanty portion of food, but they often grew weary of sending this small alleviation; and it is believed that many have died, as jfrach from hunger, as from disease.
This process was sometimes too slow for those who were connected with the side, and who desired to share any property they might possess. If they thought there was but little prospect of* recovery, they would determine to destroy them at once. Murder was at times perpetrated under these circumstances, with the most heartless and wanton barbarity. The spear or the' club was employed, to effect what disease had' been too tardy in accomplishing. All the persons in the house when these deeds of horror were performed, were called out; and the friends or companions of the sufferer, armed with spears, prepared for their savage work. It was in vain that the helpless man cried for mercy; instead of attending to his cry, they " would amuse themselves in trying which could take best aim" with the spear they threw; or, rushing upon him with spear in hand, ihey would exclaim', 7W t vaho, pierce through, and thus transfix him to the couch on which he waB lying.
Sometimes they buried the sick alive. When this was designed, they dug a pit, and then, perhaps, proposed to the invalid to bathe, offering to carry him to the water, either in their arms, or placed on a board; but, instead of conveying him to the place of bathing, they would carry him to the pit, and throw him in. Here, if any cries were made, they threw down' large stones in order to stifle his voice, filled up the grave with earth, and then returned to their dwellings.
The natives once gave me an account of an unhappy sufferer, whom they were conveying to the grave; he
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perceived it at a short distance before they approached, and, influenced by fear, sprang from the board, and endeavoured to escape. He .was pursued, and crippled by a large stone, and thus secured by the murderers. I was acquainted With two persons, who were sawyers/ and resided some time in the island of Huahine, who had both been engaged in burying one of their companions, merely because they felt the few attentions required, a burden. One of them, whose name was Papehara, is dead; the other is still living.
It is. unnecessary to add to these details. Every Mend to humanity will rejoice to know, that since the subversion of that system, under the sanction of which \ney were practised, they have ceased; and that now, from the influence of Christian principles, although the aged do not receive that veneration which is paid to gray hairs and length of years in some countries, yet that they are treated with kindness.
The sick are also nursed with attention by their relatives and children; and so far from deeming it a burden to attend to them, in Eimeo, Huahirie, and, I believe, in some of the other islands, the natives have formed benevolent societies among themselves for the purpose of building houses, supplying with' food and clothing those who, in their old age and helpless state, have no friends or children to take care of them. In these dwellings they are lodged, and clothed, and fed. Persons also visit them for the purpose of reading' the Scriptures, and praying with them; their present necessities are supplied, the decline of life'made easy, and their passage to the grave comparatively tranquil and happy. It is only necessary to contrast this* with the former treatment.of individuals under similar circum-
A
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stances, in order to strengthen our conviction of the incalculable' diminution of misery which has resulted from their reception of the gospel, and the temporal blessings it has imparted.
Although we discontinued our stated services in Maeva, we visited those who resided there, and only came occasionally to the settlement. They would have taken up their residence in Fare, but the plantations and fisheries required their attention. When proceeding across the beautiful lake, bordered by the shores of Maeva, we often passed the natives employed in taking the fish, with which every part of its waters abound.
Many of the islanders are fishermen by profession, and most of those residing near the shore, derive a great part of their subsistence from the sea. Fish are found on their coasts in great variety and abundance. Cockles are taken in the sands of the lake, and are remarkably sweet. The natives gather them in great quantities, and oh public occasions they are baked and mixed with cocoa-nut milk. Muscles are also found in corresponding situations, but not in abundance. In some bays, a small oyster is met with; it is, however, inferior to the oyster found on the coasts of Europe, and is not eaten by the natives, who usually avoid the places where it abounds, on account of the danger to which their feet are exposed from the shells. Wilks and chams are abundant on the reefs, and are a common article of food with the poor people. Many varieties of the havai, or echinus, are also found on the reefs, and are roasted and eaten. Among the shell-fish taken for food, the cowrie and large turbo are occasionally included. Land and sea crabs are numerous, but not large. Though there are several kinds of lobsters, they are less plentiful, but very fine. Prawns
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and shrimps are taken .in some parts, and frequently in the inland streams .of fresh water.
The finest shell-fish, however,.is the turtle; it is occasionally met with in the lagoons of the Society Islands, but is more frequently taken on the low, coralline, sandy reefs in the neighbourhood. Tubal, and other low islands of this kind, a short distance from Borobora, are celebrated for the numbers and quality of the turtle they furnish. This fish was formerly considered sacred, and was cooked within the precincts of the temple, part being offered to the gods, and the remainder eaten only* by sacred persons. It is now eaten indifferently by any one, though most of those caught by the people are taken as presents to the chiefs:
The rivers furnish few fresh-water fish; eels are the principal, and. they are very fine. Connected with the fresh-water fish, a phenomenon is often observed, for which the natives are puzzled to account. In the hollows of the rocks, and in other places, to which they suppose the sea and the river never gain access, and where the water collected is entirely what falls from the clouds, small but regularly formed.fish are sometimes found. The people have frequently expressed their surprise at finding them, and appeared to wonder how they ever came there. They call them topataua, .literally, rain-drop, supposing they must have fallen from the clouds with the rain.
Eels are great favourites, and are tamed, and fed till they attain an enormous size. Taaroarii had several in different parts of the island. These pets were kept in large holes, two or three feet deep, partially filled with water. On the sides of these pits, the eels formed or found an aperture in a horizontal direction, in which they generally remained, excepting when called by the
286 POLYNESIAN RBSBAECHBS.
person who fed them. I have been several times with the young chief, when he has sat down by the side of the hole> and by giving a* shrill soitf- of wfetetle has brought out an enormous eel, which, has moved about the sur-face of the water, and eaten with confidence out of his master's hand.
The sea-fish are numerous; among the principal is the salmon. The, bonito, the flying fish, the operu or herring, the alibcores, the sting-ray, the shark, the porpoise, and the dolphin, are caught in the lake or the sea, and are supposed to belong to the^owners of the opposite shore. In the latter, any person is in general allowed to use his lines, net§, &c. but if the proprietors of the land on the coast wish to preserve the fish of the adjacent sea, they rahui, or restrict, the ground, by fixing up a pole on the reef or shore, with a bunch of bamboo leaves attached to it. By this mark it is ^'understood that the fish are tabu, and fishing prohibited; and no person will trespass on these parts, without the consent of the proprietor.
The native methods of fishing are numerous, some of them rude, others remarkably ingenious. In the shallow parts of the lake they, erect singular enclosures of stones for taking a number of small and middling-sized fish. This enclosure they call a aua ia, a fish fence.
A circular space, nine or twelve feet in diameter, is enclosed with a stone wall, built up from the bottom of the lake, to the edge of the water. An opening, a foot or two wide, is left in the upper part of the wall, extending four or six inches below the surface. From each side of this opening, a wall of stone is raised to the edge of the water, extending fifty or a hundred yards, and diverging from the aperture, so that the wall leaves a
* Digitized by
POLYNESIAN RB8BABCHBS.. 2fff
space of water within in the shape df a wedge, the point of which terminates in the circular enclosure. These walls diverge in a direction from the sea, so that the fish which enter the lake are intercepted only in their re-tarn. They are so numerous through the whole extent of the shallow parts of'the lake, that it seems hardly' possible for a fish to escape. Hie enclosure's are' exceedingly valuable; fish are usually found in them every morning, and furnish a means of subsistence to the proprietors, who have no other trouble than Bimply to take them but with a hand-net. They are also excellent preserves, in which fish' may be kept securely till wanted: for use. Each enclosure has its distinct owner, whose right to the fish enclosed is always respected. Most of the fish from the lake are taken this way. ' The net and the spear are occasionally employed, but ihef rarely use the line here.
They have a singular mode of taking a remarkably timorous fish, which is called au or needle, on account of its long sharp head. The fishermen build a number of rafts, which they call rnotoi; each raft is about fifteen or twenty feet long, by six or eight wide, audit is made with the light branches of the hibiscus or purau. At one edge a kind of fence or skreen is raised four or five feet^ by fixing the hibiscus poles horizontally, one above the other, and fastening them to upright sticks, placed! at short distances along the raft. Twenty or thirty of these rafts are often employed at the same time, the men on the raft go out at a distance from each other, enclosing a large space of water, having the raised part or frame on the outside. They gradually approach each' other till the rafts join, and form a connected circle in some shallow part of the lake. One or two persons then go in a small canoe towards the centre of the enclosed space,
288 POLYNESIAN RB9EARCHKS.
with long white sticks, which they strike in the water with a great noise, and by this means drive. the fish towards the rafts. On approaching these, the fish dart out of the water, and in attempting to spring over die raft, strike against the raised fence on the outer side, and fall on the surface of the horizontal part, when they are gathered into baskets, or canoes, on the outside. In this manner, great numbers of these and other kinds' of fish, that are accustomed to spring out of the water when alarmed or pursued, are taken with great facility.
Among the reefs, and near the shore, numbers of fish are seized by preparing an intoxicating mixture from the nuts of the hutu, betonica splendida, or the hora, another native plant. When the water is impregnated with these preparations, the fish come from their retreats in great numbers, float on the surface, and are easily caught.
The favour of the gods was formerly considered essential to success in fishing. The gods of fishermen were numerous, though Tahaura and Teraimateti were the principal. Matatine was the deity of those who manufactured nets.
Fishing-nets were various in size and kind; all were remarkably well made and carefully preserved. Their light casting-nets were neatly, made, and used with great dexterity, generally as they walked along the beach. When a shoal of small fish appeared, they would throw the net with the right-hand, and enclose sometimes the greatest part of them. The nets used in taking opera, or herrings, were exceedingly large, and generally made of the twisted bark of the hibiscus. Several nets were used at the same time, the meshes of the outside net being very large, and those within smaller, for the purpose of de-
POLYNESIAN RBSKARCHBS. 289
taining the fish. This kind of fish visit the coasts in shoals, at one or two seasons of the year only, and as they do not design their nets to last longer than one season, they are not very carefully prepared,
Upea is the common name for net. The upea ova, or salmon net, is the longest and most important, and is seldom possessed by any but .the principal chiefs; it is sometimes forty fathoms long, and twelve or more feet deep. One of this kind was made by Hautea, the governor of Huahine, soon after our arrival. Although the former pagan ceremonies, and the offerings at the marae, were discontinued, some of the ancient usages were observed, one of which appeared rather singular. As is customary on all occasions of public work, the proprietor of the net required the other chiefs to assist in its preparation. Before he began, two large pigs .were killed and baked. When taken from the oven, they were cut up, and the governor's messenger sent with a piece to every chief; on delivery, the quantity was stated which each was desired to prepare towards the projected net. If the piece of pig was received, it was considered as an agreement to furnish it; but to return it, was, in effect, to refuse compliance with the requisition. At this time, however, no one returned the tarahu, or price, but all agreed to furnish one or two fathoms of the net. . When any other chief wanted a net, he took the same course.
The cord was about a quarter of an inch in diameter, and made with the tough white bark of the mate,^fct« prolixa, which, next to the romaha, or flax, is considered more durable than any other indigenous vegetable substance. The cord was twisted with the hand across the knee, in two or three strands or threads, and was even and firm. The meshes were about four inches square, it. 2 p
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The servants of the chief furnished their quantity of netting, and the needle with which they wrought was not unlike that used by European workmen. As the other parties brought in their portions, the chief and his men joined them together. On entering the house of Hautea, I have found him in a profuse perspiration, toiling in the midst of his men at the manufacture of the net.
The floats were made with short pieces of dry, light, buoyant hibiscus; and the bottom was hung with stones, generally circular and smooth, about three inches in diameter. These were not perforated, but enveloped in pieces of the matted fibre of the cocoa-nut husk, tied together at the ends, and attached to the lower border of the net.
The first wetting of a new net was formerly attended with a number of prayers, offerings, &c. at the temple, and on the beach. I recollect, at Afareaitu, when they were going to take out, for the first time, a large salmon-net, and had put it upon the canoe, the whole party, including the fishermen and chiefs of the district, kneeled down upon a pebbly beach, and offered a prayer to the true God, that they might be successful. This was about day-break; and as the sun rose above the Waves, I saw them rowing cheerfully out to sea. Though these nets were called vpea avar salmon-nets, a variety of large fish was taken in them; a shark was not unfrequently enclosed, which sometimes made great havock among the fishermen, before they couW transfix him with their spears.
This kind of fishing was followed not only as a means of procuring food, but as an amusement. The chiefs were exceedingly fond of it, and often strove to excel. Hautea was celebrated for his skill and strength in
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taking pome kinds of fish. Their country was little adapted for hunting, and the only quadrupeds they ever pursued were the wild hogs in the mountains; but the smoothness and transparency of the sea within the reefs, favoured their aquatic sports; and a chief and his men, furnished with their spears, &c. often set out on their fishing excursions with an exhilaration of spirits equal to that with which a European nobleman pursues the adventures of the chase. The more daring of the young chiefs were generally among the foremost in pursuing the shark, or other dauntless fish; while others, more advanced in years, remained in their canoes at a distance, gratified to behold the sport, and share in some degree the excitement it produced. When the tautai or fishing party returned, the nets were hung up on the branches of trees near the shore, as they appear in the view of Fa-re harbour, inserted at page 414, vol. i. Besides the herring, hand, and salmon nets, they had a number of others, adapted to particular places, or kinds of fish.
Next to the net, the spear was most frequently used. It was variously formed, according to the purpose for which it was designed. Since their intercourse with foreigners, the best spears have been made with iron, always barbed, but only on one side. Two or three small spear-heads were occasionally fastened to a single handle. Another kind of spear, in frequent use, was entirely of wood. Nine* ten, or twelve pointed pieces of hard wood, six or eight incheB long, were fastened to a handle, from six to eight feet in length. When using this, they generally waded into the sea as high as the waist, and, standing near an opening between the rocks of coral, or near the shore, and watching the passage of the fish, darted the spear, sometimes with one hand, but more
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frequently with both, and often struck them with great precision.
Their aim with this spear, however; is much less certain than with one headed with iron; which some throw with great dexterity, though others are exceedingly awkward. When fishing on the reefs, they often wear a kind of sandal, made of closely netted cords of the bark of the native auti, or cloth-plant. This was designed to preserve their feet from the edges of the shells, the spikes of the echinus, &c. * They use the angle or the spear in fishing at the edge of the reef, when the surf is low. I have often, when passing across the bay, stopped to gaze on a group of fishermen standing on a coral reef, or rock, amidst the roar of the billows and the dashing surf and foam, that broke in magnificent splendour around them. With unwavering glance, they have stood, with a little basket in one hand, and a pointed spear in the other, striking with unerring aim such fish as the violence of the wave might force within their reach. TTiey have a curious contrivance for taking several kinds of ray and cuttle-fish, which resort to the holes of the coral rocks, and protrude the arms or feet for the bait, but remain themselves firm within the retreat. The instrument they employ, consists of a straight piece of hard wood, a foot long, round and polished, and not half an inch in diameter. Near one end of this, a number of the most beautiful pieces of the cowrie or tiger-shell are fastened one over another, like the scales of a fish or the plates of a piece of armour, until it is about the size of a turkey's egg9 and resembles the cowrie. It is suspended in an horizontal position, by a strong line, and lowered by the fisherman from a small canoe, until it nearly reaches the bottom. The fisherman then gently jerks the line,
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causing the shell to move as if inhabited by a fish. This jerking motion is called tootoofe, the name of the singular contrivance.
The cuttle-fish, attracted, it is supposed, by the appearance of the cowrie, (for no bait is used,) darts out one of its arms or rays, which it winds round the shell, and fastens among the openings between the plates. The fisherman continues jerking the line, and the fish puts forth another and another arm or ray, till it has quite fastened itself to the shells, when it is drawn up into the canoe, and secured.
They use the hook and line both in the smooth water within the reef, and in the open sea; and in different modes display great skill. In this department they seldom have any baity excepting a small kind of oobu, a black fresh-water fish, which they employ when catching albi-cores and bonitos. Their hooks usually answer the double purpose of hook and bait. Their lines are made with the tough elastic romaha, or flax, twisted by the hand.
In no part of the world, perhaps, are the inhabitants better fishermen; and, considering their former entire destitution of iron, their variety of fishing apparatus is astonishing. Their hooks were of every form and size, and made of wood, shell, or bone, frequently human bone. This was considered the most offensive use to which the bones of an enemy could be applied: and one of the most sanguinary modern wars in Tahiti originated in a declaration made by a fisherman of one party, that he had a hook made with the bone of a rival chief who had been slain in a former war.
The hooks made with wood were curious; some were exceedingly small, not more than two or three inches
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long, but remarkably strong; others were very large. The wooden hooks were never barbed, but simply pointed, usually curved inwards at the point, but sometimes stand* ing out very wide, occasionally armed at the point with a piece of bone. The best were hooks ingeniously made with the small roots of the aito tree, casuarina, or iron wood. In selecting a root for this purpose, they chose one partially exposed, and growing by the side of a bank, preferring such as were free from knots and other excres* scences. The root was twisted into the shape they wished the future hook to assume, and allowed to grow till it had reached a size large enough to allow of the outside or soft parts being removed, and a sufficiency remaining to make the hook. Some hooks thus prepared are not much thicker than a quill, and perhaps three or four inches in length. Those used in taking sharks are formidable looking weapons; I have seen some a foot or fifteen inches long, exclusive of the curvatures, and not less than an inch in diameter. They are such frightful thingB, that no fish, less voracious than a shark, would ever approach them. In some, the marks of the shark's teeth are numerous and deep, and indicate the effect with which they have been used. I do not think the Tabi-tians take as many sharks as the Sandwich Islanders do: they, however, seldom spare them when they come in their way; and though sharks are not eaten now, the natives formerly feasted on them with great zest.
The shell, or shell and bone hooks, were curious and useful, and always answered the purpose of hook and bait; the small ones are made almost circular, and bent so as to resemble a worm, but the most common kind is the aviti, used in catching dolphin, albicore, and boni-tos; the shank of the hook is made with a piece of mo-
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mother-of-pearl shell, fiye or six inches long, and three-quarters of an inch wide, carefully cut, and finely polished, so as to resemble the hody of a fish. On the concave side, a barb is fastened by a firm bandage of finely twisted romaha, or flax; the barb is usually an inch and a half in length, and is of shell or bone. To the lower part of this, the end of the line is securely fastened, and being braided along the inner or concave side of the shell, is again attached to the upper end. Great care is taken in the manufacture of these pearl-shell hooks, and they are considered much better than any made in Europe.
The line is fastened to the hook in a curious manner, and when taken to sea, is attached to a strong bamboo-cane, about twelve or fifteen feet long; light single canoes are preferred for catching dolphins, bonitos, or albicores. Two or three persons usually proceed to sea, and when they perceive a shoal of these fish, those who angle sit in the stern of the canoe, and hold the rod at such an elevation, as to allow the hook to touch the edge of the water, but not to sink. When the fish approach it, the rowers ply their paddles briskly, and the light bark moves rapidly along, while the fisherman keeps the hook near the surface of the water. The deception of the hook is increased by a number of hairs or bristles being attached to the end of the shell, so as to resemble the tail of a flying-fish. The bonito, &c., darts after, and grasps its prey, and is itself secured. During the season, two men will sometimes take twenty or thirty large fish in this way, in the course of the forenoon.
The most ingenious methods, however, of taking these large fish is by means of what is termed a tira9 or mast.
I
296
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
A pair of ordinarily sized canoes is usually selected, with a kind of basket-work fixed between them, to contain the fish. To the forepart of the canoes a long curved pole is fastened, branching in opposite directions at the outer end; the foot of this is fixed in a kind of socket, between the two canoes. From each of the projecting branches, lines with pearl-shell hooks are attached, so adjusted as to be kept near the surface of the water. To that part of the pole which is divided into two branches, strong ropes are attached; these extend to the stern of the canoe, where they • are held by persons watching the seizure of the hook. The tira, or mast, projects a considerable distance beyond the stem of the canoe, and bunches of feathers are fastened to its extremities. This is done to resemble the aquatic birds which follow the course of the small fish, and often pounce down and divide the prey which the large ones pursue* As it is supposed that the bonitos follow the course of the birds, as much as that of the fishes, when the fishermen perceive the birds, they proceed to the place, and usually find the fish. The undulation of the waves occasions the canoe to rise and sink as they proceed, and this produces a corresponding motion in the hook suspended from the mast; and so complete is the deception, that if the fish once perceives the pearl-shell hook, it seldom fails to dart after it; and if it misses the first time, is almost sure to be caught the second. As soon as the fish is fast, the men in the canoe, by drawing the cord, hoist up Hie tira, and drag in the fish, suspended as it were from a kind of crane. When the fish is removed, the crane is lowered; and as it projects over the stem of the canoe, the rowers hasten after the shoal with all possible celerity.
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Fishing Canoe.
These, and a variety of other methods of fishing, are pursued by day-light; but many kinds of fish are taken by night: sometimes the fishery is carried on by moonlight, occasionally in the dark, but fishing by torch-light is the moBt picturesque. The torches are bunches of dried reeds firmly tied together. Sometimes they pursue their nocturnal sport on the reef, and hunt the totcura, or hedgehog fish. Large parties often go out to the reef; and it is a beautiful sight to behold a long line of rocks illuminated by the flaring torches. These the fishermen hold in one hand, and stand with the poised spear in the other, ready to strike as soon as the fish appears.
In the rivere they also fish by torch-light, especially for eels; and though the scene is different, its impression is not inferior. I have often been struck with the effect of a band of natives walking along the shallow parts of the rocky sides of a river, elevating a torch with one hand, and perhaps a spear in the other; while the glare of their torches was thrown upon the overhanging boughs, and reflected from the agitated surface of the stream. Their own bronze-coloured and lightly clothed forms, partially illuminated, standing like figures in relief; while the whole scene has appeared in bright ii. 2q
398 FOLYNJOSIAtf RXfBARCHIt*
contrast with the dark and almost midnight gloom that enveloped every other object.
Since their intercourse with Europeans, English-made steel hooks have been introduced. They like their sharpness at the point, but usually complain of them as too open or wi<Je. For some kinds of fish they are preferred, but for most they find the mother-of-pearl hooks answer much better. Every fisherman, I believe, would rather have a wrought-iron nail three or four inches long, or a piece of iron-wire of the size, and make a hook according to his own mind, than, have the best European-made hook- that could be given to him. Most of the nails they formerly procured from the shipping were used for this purpose, and highly prised.
Their ideas of the nature of these valuable articles wens very singular. Perceiving, in their shape and colour) a resemblance to the young sboots or scions that grow from the roots of the bread-fruit trees, they imagined that they were a hard kind of plant, and pro-* *uxed in the same way. Anxious to secure a more abun* 4flnt. suppty, tbgy divided the first parcel of nails ever received* carried^ part to the temple, and deposited them on, the ajtar i the rest they actually planted in their gardens^ and awaited their growth with the highest anticipation* In the. manufacture of hooks from nails, they manifested, gseat patience and persevering labour: the$ bad no files, but sharpened the. points, and rounded the sAgfatty rubbing the nail on a stone; they also used a stone, fa bonding it to the required shape. The use of fifes* however? has greatly facilitated their operations in the. manufacture of fish-hooks.
In connexion with this subject, a striking instance of native simplicity and honesty occurred about the time of
POLYNESIA* RfcSBARCilB*. 809
our arrival. Two Christian chiefs, Tkti and Ahuriro, were walking together by the waterside, when they came to a place where a fisherman had been employed in making or sharpening hooks, and had left a large file, (a valuable article, in Tahiti,) lying on the ground. Th* chiefs picked it Up; and, as they were proceeding, one said to the other: " This ifl not ours. Is not oar taking it a species of theft ?" " Perhaps it ii/' replied the other. "Yet, as the true owner is not here, I do not know who has a greater right to it than ourselves*" " ft is hot ours," said the former, * and we had better give it away/* After further conversation) they agreed to give it tothe first person they met, which they did) telling him they had found it, and requested that if he heard who had lost Buch a one, he would restore it. ....
: During the year 1830, the Mission in the Windward Islands sustained a heavy bereavement in the decease* of Messrs. Bicknell and Tessier. The latter, who was a man of modest and unobtrusive habits, but patient and unremitting Industry, in the important w4rk of educating the rising generation, died-on the 2ftd of July* Mis' Christian course had not been splendid Or attractive, but it had been undeviatiug and unsullied. His end wa* not * only peaceful, but triumphant in faith, and4 glowing1'irf anticipation of the holy and spiritual joys a wafting him in the abodes of blessedness.
Mr. Bicknell, whose health was not firm, followetf the* remains of his faithful coadjutor to the tomb; aind wnile standing on the edge of the-closing grave, and addressing the sorrowing multitude around,* felt ihdisftoderf frfcm 4he exposure. This ws* fefleWtd by fevter, which terminated hia life fourteen 4ay» after the death of Mi*. Teissier. Though liis illness was short, hie mind, towards the
300 POLYNESIAN RESBARCBBS.
latter part of it, was tranquil, in reliance on that Saviour who alone can support in the prospect of dissolution.
I have heard he was the first individual who offered his services to the Missionary Society, and was among the first who landed from the Duff in 1796. He remained in Tahiti till the civil war in 1808 drove them from the islands, at which time he visited New South WaleB and England* When Pomare invited the Missionaries to return, he was the first to resume his station, which he never abandoned, till called by death from a field, on which he had bestowed upwards of twenty years of patient persevering toil, and from which, though long barren and fruitless, he had ultimately been honoured to reap the first-fruits of a glorious harvest.
In 1818, he removed to the populous district of Papara on the south-west side of Tahiti. Hub district had, prior to the last war, been the stronghold of idolatry, and was the head-quarters of the pagan army; and the inhabitants, until the death of their chieftain in the memorable battle of Bunaauia, obstinately opposed the progress of Christianity. Here, under the favourable auspices of Tad, Mr. Bicknell commenced his labours j and while Mr. Tessier daily instructed numbers in the school, Mr. Bicknell collected, around him large and attentive congregations, baptized many, and gathered an interesting Christian church.
, His latest earthly concern regarded the stedfastness and welfare of his charge. On the last evening of his life, and but a few hours before his departure, he addressed Mr. Crook (who had attended him during his illness, and who was then about to perform divine.service among his people,) on the subject. " Tell them,"
POLYNESIAN BBSBSftCHS*.
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said the dying Missionary, "that my conviction of the truth of those doctrines I have taught, is now stronger than ever. Tell them I am dying, but that these truths are now my support. Tell them to be stedfast." He left, not only a destitute church and afflicted congregation, but a sorrowing widow and five fatherless children, to mourn his departure. Mrs. Bicknell was afterwards united in marriage with Mr. Davies, but she did not long survive, and the children are now orphans in Tahiti, Mr. Caw, who had been sent out to instruct the natives in ship-building, and other arts, but who had been long incapacitated by illness, died about the same time.
/
303
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CHAP. XI.
General view of a Christian church—Uniformity of procedure in the different stations—-Instructions from England--—Preparatory instructions —Distinct nature of a Christian church—Qualifications and duties of communicants—The sacrament of the Lord's Supper—Formation of the first ohurch of Christ in the Leeward Islands—Administration of the ordinance—Substitute for bread—Order of the service—Character, experience, and peculiarities of the communicants—Buaiti—Regard to the declarations of scripture—Instances of the power of conscience —Manner of admitting church members—Appointment of deacons-Great attention to religion.
While the Lord of Missions was thus thinning our ranks, he was shewing us that the work in which we were engaged was not ours, but his; that though the agent was removed, the agency under which he had acted was not thereby impeded. The pleasing change we had observed among our people every year, increased during the present in an astonishing manner, and we had the high satisfaction of witnessing the formation and organization of the first church of Christ in the Leeward or Society-Islands. It took place early in the month of May, and shortly after the opening of the new chapel.
Although we did not experience that difficulty which, from the peculiar circumstances of the Mission and the people, had attended the first administration of baptism, we regarded it as a matter requiring grave and prayerful
POLYMSSIAlf RKOAKCHI84 969
deliberation. We felt that our proceedings would influ-ence the views and conduct, not only of these by whom we weft surrounded, but perhaps of future generations. A foundation was now to be laid on which, so far as order and discipline were concerned, the superstructure of the Christian church in that island was to rise in every succeeding age, and by which it would-certainly be affected in many important respects. Anxious therefore to begin aright, we sought, and trust we received, Divine guidance, sadfevniiTingi to regulate, our proceedings altogether by the directions of the sacred volume. It was, however, difficult to divest ourselves entirely of those views of the subject which we had imbibed, from the writings of mem.
A Christian church we considered to be a society of faithful and' holy men, voluntarily associated for the purposes of public worship, mutual education^ the parti* cipation of the Lord's supper, and the propagation of Christianity: the Lord Jeans Christ was regarded as its apirftsa} head; and only sneb as had given;themselves unto, <the Redeemer, and were spiritually united, to him, members* These were onr general views. In £ngu land we had belonged' to deferent denominations, and however adapted the peculiarities in. discipline, of those communions might, appear fc> the chxusnstances of British Christians, we did not deem it expedient to take any one. altogether for our; model. It appeared to all more desirable, in the ousting state of the people, to divest the churches we might he* honoured of God to plant among the Gentiles, of every thing complicated or artificial, that they might, be established in the purest simplicity of form, and, as far as possible, according to the directions of revelation. Had any been perti-
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nacious of their peculiarities, they had now the fairest opportunity of acting accordingly. • General good, however, was our object; and that line of procedure, which, as a whole, we could unitedly pursue, in closest accordance with Scripture, and at the same time with greatest advantage to the people, was more desired by every one,' than any peculiar views on minor points. I believe it is from the paramount influence of these feelings, more than from any other cause, that such uniformity exists. There was no agreement previously entered into among the Missionaries, but those of each station were left, with the people around who might be brought to a reception of the truth, to assume for themselves such form of constitution and discipline, as should in their views be most accordant with the word of God; and yet I am not aware, that in any material point there is the smallest difference among them.
As the subject had long been one of considerable anxiety, we had written to the Directors of the Society for their advice. They in general referred us to the New Testament. Several persons, however, interested in the progress of truth among the islands, wrote to the Missionaries individually, and also communicated their views to the public through the medium of the Evangelical Magazine. Among others, the Rev. Mr. Greathead, whose views of church government were rather peculiar, wrote very fully. His plans were at first adopted by one or two of the Missionaries j yet the free admission^ not only to baptism, but to the ordinance of the Lord's supper, of such persons as sincerely desired to receive the same, without requiring evidence of their being true spiritual converts to Christ, threatened great irregularity and confusion; it was therefore discontinued.
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306
In our public instructions, .we inculcated on jthose wpo, we had reason to believe, were under the decisive influence of the Spirit of Christ, the duty of commemorating- his dying love, by that ordinance which he had instituted, and by which his disciples were to shew forth Jrie death till he should come.—Those who had been baptised, now desired to be more particularly informed how, and in what circumstances, they were to observe this injunction of the Lord. We, therefore, proposed to devote one afternoon every week to the instruction of such as had been baptised, and de* sired to be united in church-fellowship. Fifteen individuals attended the first meeting, and were afterward joined by others. We met them regularly, and endea* voured to instruct them as fully and familiarly aa possible in the duty of partaking of the sacrament; the nature, design, and scriptural constitution of church-fellowship 5 the discipline to be maintained, the advantages to be anticipated, and the duties resulting therefrom.
Next to the personal piety, which in church-members is considered indispensable, it appeared most important to impress the minds of the people with the distinctness of a Christian church from any political, civil, or other merely human institution. In the system of false religion under which they had lived, and by which their habits of judgment had been formed, the highest civil and sacerdotal offices had been united in one person.— The king was generally chief priest of the national temple ; and the high-priesthood of the principal idols was usually held by some member, or near relative, of the. reigning family. On many occasions of worship also, the king was the representative of the god. The chiefs and the gods appear always to have exercised a combined ir. 2 a
806 roMrmcsiAN naeaAttCHas.
influence over the populace. Hie power of the gods •Hen seemed only exercised to establish the authority el the king, who wee by the people regarded es fllHng hfe high station by lineal descent from them, while the measures of the government as often appealed to be par* teed to inspire fear, and secure acknowledgments for the gods* Hence, when human sacrifice* were required, the priest applied to the king, and the king gave Offer* to provide the victim* Since the kings and chiefs, asweHat the people, had embraced the gospel, and many had taken the lead in propagating it, and had uniformly adorned it by their example, and the people someti me* said, that had thek chiefs been idolaters or wicked rulers, h would have been improper for them to have interfered in any matters eonaceted with Christianity, but that now they were truly pious, it accorded with their ideas of propriety, that in the Christian church they should, as christian chicle, be
V8Ka^sVUssOQssVv«
We told them they had not imbibed these ideas in a ehftfatian, bat in a pagan school $ that the authority of their kings and chiefs was exerted over their persons, and fsgarded their outward conduct; that they held their high station under God, for tile well-being of society, and were, when influenced by uprightness and humanity, the great* est blessings to the communities over which they pre* sided. We also stated, that in Oris station every Chris* tian was bound, no less by duty to God than to man, to render obedience to their laws, to respect and maintain their authority, sad to pay them every due homage. Ami we also told them, that in theehurchof Jesus Christ, which was purely a religious association, so far as distinctions among men, from dignity of station, elevation of oaWe, lame of achievement, or influence of wealth,
JQLTOSaiAN RWMAAQJBM.
w
were ejoacerned, that til members were bsethfcn; and that Christ himself vm the only spiritual chief or king I that his influence or reign was not temporal, but, iiko hit authority, spiritual. The only distinction recognised in » Christian ehuncfc, wo informed then* regarded these who acted at officers* and that inch distinction* only prevailed in what concerned them as a church, and dM not refer to their usual intercourse with the eoauaa> ajty el which they was* members* and fa which, they were governed by t|ie ordinary regulations established in civ&sed society.
The duties which tboee who united in church feBovj-ahip were required to perform towards each other, towards those desirous of uniting with them, and to the careless or irreligious, were eke folly and frequently brought under their notice, together wiuh the paramount duty of jsrery Christian to endeavour to pBopagate Christianity, that the Christian ehnxch might become a kind jo£ fwreery* from which other churches might be planted in •the extensive wilderness of paganism around.
Next to this, the institution, nature, design, admin! station, and uses of the Lord's supper* were familiarly explained, that they might understand, as for as poosrhir, the engagement into which they were desirous to eater, and the observances connected therewith.
The Lord's supper, or sacrament, we regarded as analogous to the paasever, symbolical of the death af Christ as an atonement or sacrifice, of which event it was commemorative; that it was designed to perpetuate jhhe rxmemhranoe of Hk death, even 0 the end of time, and was to be in faith participated by a& who build their hopes of admission to the heavenly state on His atonement.
SC6 POCYNBUAir BBBMRCttBS.
Having been for some months engaged weekly in imparting this kind of instruction to those who had expressed their deBire to receive the ordinance of the Lord's supper/ the month of May was selected for forming the Church/ Sixteen- individuals, who in the judgment of charity we had every reason to believe were sincere Christians, then met us, and, after imploring the blessing of the great Head of the' church, offering a suitable address, and receiving their declaration of faith in Christ, and. desire to enjoy the privileges of church-fellowship, a voluntary association was formed, the right-hand of fellowship was given, and they recognized each other as members of the first church of Christ in Huahine.
We did not present any creed or articles of faith for their subscription on this occasion. Sensible of the' insufficiency of all mere human writings, however excellent, to restrain the mind, or control the opinions of men, we thought it best to dispense with them, lest the bare assent, or subscription to certain articles of faith, or doctrines of truth, should be substituted, as grounds of confidence, for an experience of the influence of those doctrines on the heart. Their names only were entered in a book kept by the Missionaries for that purpose, and called the Church-book. This little meeting was held in the chapel at Fare, on Friday evening, the 5th of May, 1820: and it is hoped that what was done on earth was confirmed in heaven, and that the union then formed among the disciples of Christ below, though it may be dissolved by death, will be realized in his presence above, and.endure through eternity.
On the following Sabbath, May the 7th, an unusual number attended the large place of worship. Mr.
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609
Davie* preached in the forenoon, from Luke xxii. 19. In front of the pulpit, a neat table, covered with white satire cloth,, was fixed, upon which the sacramental vessels were placed. These had been furnished from England. Wheaten bread .was an article of diet that we did not' very, often obtain ourselves, and which the people seldom tasted: we should have preferred it for this ordinance, yet, as we could not, from the irregularity and uncertainty of our supplies at that period, expect always to have it, we deemed it better to employ an article of food as nearly resembling it as possible, and which was at all times procurable. From these considerations, we felt no hesitation in using, on this occasion, the roasted or baked bread-fruit, pieces of which were placed on the proper vessel.
Wine, we were also thankful to possess for this purpose; and although we have sometimes been apprehensive that we might be under the necessity of substituting the juice of the cocoa-nut for that of the grape, or discontinuing the observance of this ordinance, (to which latter painful alternative, some of bur brethren have been reduced,) we have been providentially favoured with a sufficiency. Over the elements placed on the table, a beautifully white, cloth had been spread, before the accustomed service began. When this was over, although it was intimated that any who wished might retire, no one left the chapel. Mr. Davies, the senior Missionary or pastor of the church, took his station behind the com* munion-table; Mr. Barff sat at one end, and I took my seat at the other.
- When the communicants had seated themselves in a line in front, we sang a hymn. The words of institution, viz. passages of Scripture containing the directions, for
810
POLYNESIAN EMBABfBM,
the observance of this hallowed festival, &c. were read, a bleating implored, and the bread, which was then broken, handed to each individual. The wine was next poured into the cup* a blessing again sought* when the wine waa handed to the communicants* After this, another hymn was sung, a short prayer offered, and the sendee closed*
I have been thus, particular in detailing the order observed on this occasion, as affording not only ft comet statement of our proceedings at this time* hut also a brief general view of the manner of adininietering this sacred ordinance in the different Missionary stations throughout the islands.
It would be impossible to give any thing like an adequate description of my own emotions, at this truly interesting service. The scene was worth earning from England to witness, and I trust the impression was as salutary as it was powerful and solemn. J am also quite unable to conceive what the feelings of our senior colleague must at this time have been. He had been many years among the people before any change in favour of Christianity took place, and had often beheld them, not only ignorant and wretched, sunk to the lowest state of debasing impurity, and accustomed to the perpetration of tbe most horrid cruelty, but altogether given to idolatry, and often mad after their idols.
Our joy arose, in a great degree, from, the delightful anticipation awakened in connexion with the admission of the anxious multitude, who were waiting to enter into, and we hoped, prepared of God to participate in, all the bless* ings which this ordinance signified, and in reference to the eternity we hoped to spend with them, wfcjm we enonUjom the church triuinphent above. His joys, tow-oner, in addition to those arming from these seurees,
POf.YNUSIAN RBSBASCBUS.
31!
mutt have been powerfully augmented by the reooUec* tfon of what those individuals once were, and the many noun of apparently cheerkaa and hopeless toil he had bestowed Upon them, now so amply, so astonishingly rewarded.
A state of feeling, almost unearthly, seemed to pervade those who now, for the first time, united with their teachers in commemorating the dying lave of Christ. Reoottsction* perhaps, presented in strong colours the picture of their former state. Their vile abominations, their reckless cruelty, their mad inlahiation in idolatry, the frequent, impure, and sanguinary rites in which they had engaged' -their darkened minds, and still darker prospects—arose, perhaps, in mid and rapid succession. At the same time, in striking contrast with their former feelings, their present desire after moral purity, their occupation in the worship of Jehovah, their hopes of pardon and acceptance with him, through the atonement made by Hie offering of his Son, the boundless and orer whelming effects of his love herein displayed, and the mdiaat light and hopes of everlasting blessedness and spiritual enjoyment, which, by the event commemorated, they were encouraged to anticipate, were all adapted to awaken, in minds susceptible as theirs, no common train of feelings; Often have we seen the intense emotion of the heart at these seasons, strongly depicted in the countenance, and the mce suffused with tears.
The hundreds who icmsaned to witness the scene, were not careless or indifferent spectators. Their deep interest in What was passing, was indicated in their thoughtful and agitated countenance!, and the 'subsequent conduct of many evinced the kind of unpression they received. The anxious concern which we had witnessed
I
812 POLYNESIAN RHSSAACHBS.
among the people, since the preceding- summer, appeared to increase, and demanded redoubled efforts is* their spiritual advantage. Numbers came as candidates for baptism, and regularly attended the meeting for the instruction of such. Others, from among those who had been baptized, desired to be admitted to church fellowship.
Our liveliest affections were awakened on their behalf; but while we had reason to believe many were sincere, we had also reason to fear that others were influence} by less commendable motives. Anxious to afford encouragement or caution, as the circumstances or character of each required, it was not easy to satisfy our own minds as to the best manner of proceeding. We feared to discourage any who were sincerely seeking a more intimate acquaintance with Christ, and who were desirous to be fully instructed in all things concerning his will. On the other hand, we were equally fearful of encouraging the indulgence of improper views, or of admitting to the ordinances of the gospel any who were uninfluenced by those motives which Christ would approve.
There was, however, no part of pur charge in whose welfare we now felt so deeply interested, as the little flock, of which the great Shepherd had made us the pastors. So far from considering our work done, with special reference to those whom we had instructed in the nature of a Christian church, and had admitted to this fold, we considered it as only the commencement of a new series of important and interesting duties, arising out of the new relation now subsisting between us. We experienced an attachment binding our hearts to theirs, to which we had before been strangers,
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313
arid we had reason to believe the feeling* waff reciprocal.
Their knowledge was but limited, notwithstanding all our efforts to instruct them; their duties increased, their situation became more conspicuous; and their temptations greater. Latent depravity still lurked' in ttieir hearts, and it might be expected that their great spiritual adversary would not leave tlieifl unmolested; We were also fearful test the privileges tiiey were raised to enjoy might engender or nourish secret pride4, or induce a disposition to rest satisfied with having obtained admission to the outward and visible cliurch of Christ, and thus lead them td rfeglect that constant seeking after God, add the oul-> tivation of tfroffe Christian" virtues, by which' alone they could' sustain, with credit to Christianity, and' benefit to their' own minds, the situation to which they had been raised. They would naturally become models of imitation to others, and would exert' no ordinary influence on the community at large. It was therefore gratifying to behold4 them humble, prayerful, watchful, arid diligent. The weekly meeting with the candidates for communion, whose number was greatly increased, we constantly attended, and recommended1 the church members not to absent'themselves unnecessarily.
At these times we endeavoured'to explain the truths in which they were most interested, and, with regard to the members themselves, leaving the first principles of the doctrines of Christ, we endeavoured gradually and gently to lead them on to a more extensive acquaintance With the grand and varied doctrines of the gospel, and the important relative and other duties resulting therefrom.
These meetings were exceedingly interesting, from the simple yet unequivocal evidences often afforded of the if. 2 s
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operation of the Spirit of the Almighty upon the hearts of the people. Our little church, from time to time, received considerable accessions of such as we had reason to hope were also members of the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.
In the admission of members, we acted with what perhaps many would consider the extreme of caution. Individuals whose moral character has been irreproachable, whose views of divine truth have been clear and scriptural, and whose motives, so far as we could judge, have been pure, have remained two, and sometimes three years as candidates, although we could not prefer any allegation directly against them. The admission of such has been declined, because we feared, that though their knowledge was commendable, and their conduct influenced by the precepts of the gospel, their hearts were not under its decisive influence; in short, that they had not undergone that change of mind, which our Lord himself, in hit conversation with Nicodemus, called being "born again," and without which he had declared no man can enter into the kingdom of heaven. In other instances, however, the testimony relative to this change, was so decisive and powerful, that we could not, dared not, hesitate.
The reason the natives have given of their christian hope, has often been not only satisfactory, as it regarded the individual, but important, and in a high degree interesting, as an evidence of the universality of the depravity of man; and also aB shewing the effects of Divine truth, under the influence of the Spirit of God, to be the same in every clime, producing the corresponding effects upon men of every diversity in colour, language, and circumstance. Hence, one of the strongest modern evidences in the history of man, of the unequivocal origin of
POLYNESIAN RBSKAECHJBS. 315
Christianity, has been afforded, and its perfect unaltered adaptation to the condition of the whole Human race.
The same latent enmity to the moral restraints Christianity imposes on the vicious propensities of men, the same unwillingness to admit its uncompromising claims to the surrender of the heart, was experienced here, as is in other parts. The same tendency to suppose the favour of God might be obtained by services which they could perform, and the same unbelief under convictions of sin, and unwillingness to go to the Saviour without a recommendation-—that is so often met with in others—-was felt by them.
But while, in these respects, the experience of the new converts in the South Sea Islands resembled that of Christians in other parts of the world, there are points in which'it has often appeared to us peculiar. We never met with one who doubted the natural depravity, or innate tendency to'evil, in the human heart. We never met with any who were inclined to suppose they could, without some procuring cause, be justified in the sight of God. This may perhaps arise from the circumstance of there being no individual among them; whose past life had not been polluted by deeds which even natural conscience told them were wrong, and consequently no arguments were necessary to convince' any one that he was guilty before God/ .They must deny the existence of the Deity, and of all by which the living and true God is distinguished from their own senseless idols, before they could for a moment suppose their past lives appeared otherwi than criminal before Him. Their fearful state, and the consequences of guilt, they never disputed, but were always ready to acknowledge that they must not only appear criminal, but offensive to the Most High, on
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account of their vices. There wore, however, in connexion with these truths, matters associated with the impression upon their minds, that sometimes a little surprised us.
jUnder declarations of the nature and dreadful consequences of sin, aggravated as theirs had been, the denunciation of the penalties of the law of God, and even under the awakenings of their nwn consciences to a conviction of sjto, we seldom perceived that deep and acute distress of mind, which in circumstances of a similar kind We should feat* expected. In connexion witfc this, when such individuals were enabled to exercise faith in the atonement of Christ, and to indulge a hope of exemption firbmallthe fearful effects of sin and guilt, this apprehension has not, in many instances, been attended by that sudden relief, and that ecstatic joy, which is often manifested in other parts of the worl<J, by individuals in corresponding circumstances. Yet, in many instances, we have not doubted the sincerity of their declarations, or the genuineness of-their faith in the Redeemer.
We have often tried to account for this apparent anomaly in their Christian character, but have not been altogether satisfied with the causes to which we have sometimes assigned it. It does not'appear, generally, that their emotions are so acute as ours, or, that they are equally susceptible of joy and sorrow with persons trained in civilized society. Besides this, though their ideas of' the nature and consequences of sin, the blessedness of forgiveness, and the hope of mture happiness, were correct so far as they went, yet the varied representations of the punishment and sufferings of the wicked, and the corresponding views of heaven, as the state of the greatest blessedness, being to them partial and new, the impressions were probably vague and
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indistinct, wliile with us, 60m long familiarity, they are at once wid and powerful. Without pausing to inquire into its cause, it seemed right to mention the fact; better reasons may perhaps hereafter be assigned.
We have often also remarked, that there am hot lew of what would be called sudden conversions* In general, the process by which their views and feelings hare been changed, has been gradual, and almost imperceptible, as to its precise manner of operation, though ultimately most decisive in to nature, and iinquestionable in its tendency. Though these gradual transformations are the general means by which, through the Holy Spirit, wo hope many have been made partakers of the grace of eternal life, there hare been exceptions. Some have been meHed under the truth, other* hare been led to rejoice in the promises of the gospel, and raised to gladness and praise. These facts are adapted to shew, that the Spirit of God is not limited, in the manner of His operations oh the human mind, to any one particular kind of order and rule.
The accounts of their views of Divine truth, and their reasons for desiring to join with us, have often been delightful and satisfactory, not only in the Society, but also in the northern isles of the Pacific. One from a native of the latter, although it has appeared in the American Missionary Herald, has not been given to the British public; and its character is so unequivocal, that I cannot deny myself the pleasure of inserting it.
Buniti, the individual to whom it refers, is between thirty and forty years of age. I believe I had the honour of preaching the gospel in his native islands the first time he ever heard it. It, however, produced no salutary effect then; nor, indeed, until some time after. Since
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I left the islands, the preaching and instructions of Mr. Richards have been singularly useful to this individual, as well as to others; he has given every evidence of their having, under the blessing of God, produced an entire and highly beneficial change in his sentiments, feelings, and conduct.
The late queen of the Sandwich Islands, with her usual benevolence, had always treated him with kindness; and the recollection of it is still retained. Buaiti was his native name, but, when he was baptized, he wished to be called Bartimeus; and, in order to preserve the sense of his loss in the death of the queen, he requested that Lalana, London, the place of her death, might be added to his name. When he was admitted a member of the Christian * church at Lahaina, he was asked by the Missionary, Why do you request to be received into the church} He replied—
Because I love Jesus Christ, I love you, and I desire to dwell with you in the fold of Christ, and to join with you in eating the holy bread, and drinking the holy wine.
What is the holy bread ?
It is the body of Christ, which he gave to save sinners.
Do we then eat the body of Christ ?
No; but we eat the bread which means his body: and, as we eat bread that our bodies may not die, so our souls love Jesus Christ, and receive him for their Saviour, that they may not die.
What is the holy wine ?
It is the blood of Christ, which he poured out on Calvary, in Jerusalem in Judea, to save us sinners.
Do we, then, drink the blood of Christ ?
No; but the wine signifies his blood, just as the holy bread signifies his body: and all those who go to Christ,
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be taken as a sample of the kind of declaration! made by those who are* united in* church fellowship; and though it- relates to a native of £he North Paeific Isles, it resembles in its principal characteristics those of many of the natives of the Southern group. Simplicity is the distinguishing feature in all their religious intercourse of this kind.
There is another very pleasing tifcit in their christian character, namely, their undoubting reception of the Scriptures* as,* Divine revelation. We have plainly and uniformly stated its truths, inculcating among them no opinions or sentiments, on matters' of religion, bat such as are found in the Bible \ declaring that'what it taught was essential, and that all the opinions of men, however excellent, are in comparison unimportant. TJo the Bible we have always referred them, as the authority for what we have taught* and of its- declarations we have allowed no evasion. The injunctions of Scripture they have therefore been accustomed to receive implicitly, as they are recorded; and while they exercise their own judgments very freely, in matters of human opinion, I never knew one, who professed himself a Christian, inclined to doubt the authority of the Bible. To. this standard, we have always referred their opinions and their conduct; and by the criterion it-furnishes, we always recommended their examining their own condition, rather than comparing their conduct with that of others.
Often, when we have recommended some measure of a religious or general nature, which we have supposed would be advantageous to them, they have inquired, What says the Scripture ? Is1 there any thing about it in the word'of God? If, as was sometimes the case, we were under the necessity of stating, that there was
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nothing in the Scripture directly referring to our recommendation, but that it was according to the general tenour and spirit of the Scriptures, or corresponding with the practice of Christians in England; they would sometimes answer, "That may be very good, but as it is only a matter of opinion'with you, we will think about it." On the other hand, so far as those who were members of our churches, or had been baptized, were concerned, I cannot recollect any measure we ever proposed, for Which we could refer to the explicit declaration of Scripture as our authority, that they did not at once unhesitatingly adopt. It was much more satisfactory to us that the conduct of their lives should be regulated by principles derived from the Scripture, than by the opinion of their teachers, however highly they might respect them; and we had always rather that they should ask, " What says the word of God ?" than, " What say the Missionaries ?" The opinions of their teachers may change, or teachers of different opinions may succeed them, but the word of God will endure unalterably the same, being a more sure word, whereunto they do well to take heed.
What the experience of my predecessors in the field may have been, with regard to the manner in which the natives were disposed to admit the claims of the Scriptures to a divine origin, I am not prepared to state with confidence. I believe, however, it was not so much to the divine authority, as to the doctrines of the sacred volume, that they objected. So far as my recollection serves, with regard to the island of Huahine, the inhabitants,' though not idolaters, certainly were not Christians, except in name; and in the Sandwich Islands, where, on my first arrival, the people were more opposed than
II. 2 T
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inclined to all that is essential to Christianity, I do not remember to have met with an individual disposed to doubt the origin, or dispute the authority, of revelation. It was to the injunctions and doctrineB of the Bible, that humbled their pride, and prohibited their vicious practices, &c. that they objected.
It may be said, that while they believed in idolatry— and revelations from the gods by dreams, or other intimations through the medium of the priests, were acknowledged—-that they might suppose the truths of the Bible to be a collection of revelations similar in kind to these, only, as a priest on one occasion stated to me, better preserved, being "made fast upon the paper." But after they had renounced idolatry, and treated with contempt the notions formerly entertained respecting the power of the gods, and regarded all the pretended .revelations of them as deceptions of the priests, the claims of the Bible remained undisputed. . The uniform acceptance of the declarations of Scripture as Divine communications to mankind, was not the result of any arguments employed by us. We never attempted to establish by argument what they were not inclined to doubt. Our instructions were, therefore, generally delivered in the simplicity of assertion, or testimony, accompanied with suitable admonition and application to our hearers 5 taking it as an admitted principle, that the Scriptures contained a declaration of the will of God.
When asked, as we sometimes were, "How do you know the Bible is the word of God }" we did not adduce an infallible church, by which it had been determined what were the canonical books, and by whom they had been preserved; nor did we refer them often to the testimony of history, to prove that the persons, whose names were
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affixed to the different parts, actually wrote the books ascribed to them, but we referred them to their internal evidence, their harmony or accordance with the works of creation, and the dispensations of Providence, in their display of the Divine character and perfections, their admirable adaptation to the end for which they were given, and the universality of their application to man* kind. Next to the agency of that blessed Spirit, under whose influence those Scriptures were first penned, and by which alone they become the means of spiritual illumination to any individual, the internal evidences of the Bible have operated upon the minds of the natives with great force. When they have been asked why they believed the Scriptures to be the word of God, they have answered, " We believe they have a higher than human origin, because they reveal what man could never know; not only in reference to God himself, but our own origin and destinies,- and what, when revealed, appears to us true; because its declarations accord with the testimony of our own consciences, as to the moral character of our actions; and because, though written by persons who never saw us, or knew our thoughts, it describes so accurately our inclinations, imaginations, motives, and passions. It must have been dictated by One who knew what man was, better than we know each other, or it could not have displayed our actual state so correctly." These, or declarations to the same effect, if not given in precisely the same words, were the reasons they frequently assigned for believing the divine origin of the Scriptures.
Several remarkable instances of the effect of the word of God, and the power of conscience, occurred about the year 1819. One Sabbath morning, Mr. Nott had been
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•preaching from the -words:—*" Let him that stole, steal no more." In his discourse, he had refuted the idea they had formerly held, that theft was no crime, but rather an act of merit, if committed with dexterity; and had shewn that the circumstance of detection or escape did not alter the moral quality of the act in the sight of God; that every means employed unjustly to deprive another of his property, was an act of theft, and that restitution ought to be made for past robberies, as well as honesty practised for the future. The next morning, when he arose and opened his door, he saw a number of natives sitting on the ground in the front of his dwelling. Their appearance was rather singular, and the unseasonable time of their assembling led him to inquire the cause. They answered, "We have not been able to sleep all night; we were in the chapel yesterday; we thought, when we were pagans, that it was right to steal when we could do it without being found out. Hiro, the god of thieves, used to assist us. But we heard what you said yesterday from the word of God, that Jehovah had commanded that we should not steal. We have stolen, and all these things that we have brought with us are stolen .goods." One then lifted up an axe, a hatchet, or a chisel, and exclaimed, " I stole this from the carpenter of such a ship," naming the vessel, &c.. Others held up an umeti, or a saw, or a knife; and, indeed, almost every kind of moveable property was brought and exhibited, with confessions, of having .been stolen. Mr. Nott said, .rather smilingly, "What fcave you brought them to me for ? I do not want them." (The sentiment had often been circulated, that the receiver of stolen goods was as bad as the thief.) "You had better take them home, and, if you have stolen any from your own countrymen, return them; and when the
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ships come again from which any of the goods have been stolen, take them back, together with a present to the captain or the carpenter, expressive of your desire to make restitution/* They all said—" Oh, no, we cannot take them back; we have had no peace ever since we heard it was displeasing to God, and we shall have no peace so long, as they remain in our dwellings; we wish you to take them, and give them back to the owners whenever they come/' Such was the power of conscience, that although they were even tools, which the natives value more highly than gold, and although Mr. Nott requested them to take them back, he could not persuade one of them to do so; they left them all with him, to be returned to their owners. They went even farther than this : Some had stolen articles from one of the Missionaries at Eimeo. They fitted up the. canoe, and with the .first fair wind undertook a voyage of upwards of seventy miles, for the purpose of carrying back what they had taken.
In the island of Raiatea, a native walking on one occasion towards the mountains, discovered a hen's nest with a number of eggs in it, at the root of a tree. He eagerly seized the prize, put the eggs in the native cloth he wore, and proceeded with them to his house. On the way, he recollected the commandment-?-" Thou shalt not steal," and though he had found the nest far from any habitation, in the midst of the woods, and did not know that he had robbed any one except the hen, yet he knew the eggs were not his, and so powerful was the impression of the impropriety of the action, that he returned to the nest, and very carefully replaced the eggs with.a light heart. .
A similar course was pursued by a native with whom I was once travelling, across the island, with regard to a pocket-knife that he had picked up, but afterwards threw
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down, near the same place, simply because it did not belong to him.
These facts are most pleasing and decisive illustrations of the power of Christian principles. Yet every individual is not influenced by them. These were Christian men; there are others who are such only in name, and who are addicted to the practice of pilfering and theft, especially at those stations near the harbours which are the most frequent resorts of shipping, where the temptations are greatest, and the influence of foreign intercourse most injurious. Nevertheless, when we consider that they were formerly, as every navigator by whom they were visited has testified, almost a nation of thieves—that Hiro, the god of thieves and plunderers, occupied a place in their mythology, and had a temple and priests—we cannot but admire the operation of Christian principles in producing, in such a number of instances, a conscientious regard to justice and honesty. It was, there is reason to believe with many, the result, not of an apprehension of detection, but of a strict regard to moral rectitude, and the declared will of Him who said—" Thou shalt not steal."
The meeting of those who were desirous of uniting with us continued; and from among them who attended, many were added to the church. Besides this meeting, we held one with the communicants only, on the Friday evening preceding the Sabbath when the ordinance was administered, which was the first Sabbath in every month. At these times, new members were proposed by the Mis* sionary, or by any member, to the whole body. Inquiry was made of those present, as to their eligibility, and if any had objections to an individual, he was requested to state them there; if not, one or two of the members were
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directed to call upon the parties at their habitations, to converse with them, and report the same at the next meeting, for the satisfaction of the church. It was regarded by us a duty, to see these persons more than once during the intervening month.
At the next meeting, these individuals were proposed by name 5 the recommendation of the persons who had visited them, and of the Missionary, given; and if the members present knew any reasons why they should not be united with them, they were requested to state the same; if not, to signify assent by lifting up the right hand. When the members proposed had been thus individually approved, as they were usually in attendance, they were brought to the chapel, and interrogated singly, as to their reasons for desiring to unite with us. To these questions brief replies were usually rendered; and they were informed that the members of the church, considering them proper persons, were happy to receive them. The right-hand of fellowship was then given by the Missionaries, and subsequently by the members, to those thus received; and the meeting closed with devotional exercises.
We did not require any written confession of faith, nor invariably a verbal account of experience, from the persons admitted. In this latter respect, our procedure was not uniform, but regulated by the peculiar circumstances of the individual.
Towards the close of the year 1820, Mr. Davies left Fare, to supply the station at Papara, in Tahiti, which had been destitute of a Missionary since the decease of Messrs. Tessier and Bicknell. The management of the press, supplying the books for the whole of the Leeward Islands, the superintendence of the schools, promoting
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tbe civilization of the people, attending the religious meetings, together with our pastoral duties, now pressed so heavily upon us, that we found some assistance requisite. This we necessarily sought among the converts, and were happy to find four persons, members of the church, suitable to act as assistants, whom we proposed to the church to elect as deacons. Diaconi is the term by which they are designated; not,"however, selected from any strong predilection to the term, or any extraordinary importance attached to it, but because a scriptural term, and one more easily assimilated to the idiom of their language than some others.
On the 15th of February, 1821, they were set apart in the church to this office, by an address from 1 Tim. iii. id. and prayer for the blessing of God upon them. Auna, Taua, Pohuetea, and Matatore, were the persons selected, and so long as I continued in the islands, we found them consistent Christians, and valuable coadjutors in managing the temporal concerns of the church, visiting the sick, attending the prayer-meetings, &c.
Religion was now almost the sole business of the people at Fare, and the adjacent districts; and although the meetings were frequent, many continued to visit our dwellings, sometimes by day-break; and often, after we had retired to rest at night, one or two would come knocking gently at our doors or windows, begging us to give them directions, or to answer their inquiries as to the thoughts that distressed their minds. No time, no place, appeared'to them unappropriated and whether they sat in the house, or walked by the way—skimmed the surface of the water in their light canoe, or laboured in the garden—religion was the topic of their conversation. Their motives were various, and probably often of a very
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mixed character. Some were influenced by a desire to be thought well of by their neighbours; many wished to be baptized without feeling1 the necessity of, or more earnestly' seeking, that spiritual purification which it signified; and others, per&aps, considering charch-membership as the highest christian distinction they could gain, desired to' be admitted to the communion, as an end of their profession, rather than a meant? of higher spiritual attainments.
Such individuals, we deemed it, on all occasions, necessary to caution'with the greatest simplicity and faithfulness. But while these were the motived by which we have reason to believe many were influenced, there were others who certainly acted from different feelings, who were unable to rest under a sense'of guilt and its fearful consequences j who desired to hear more about God, his mercy to sinners, and the love of their Saviour, that their burden of sin might be removed; while same, desirous of expressing their sgftBe of the goodness of God, were anxious to be informed what they might do to promote his praise. I cannot look back upon this period of my Missionary life with indifference; nor can I contemplate the state of the people at this time, without believing that the Spirit of God wa6 powerfully operating upon the minds of many. Of this, their subsequent lives have afforded satisfactory evidence. Instability was one of their prominent traits of character; and did We not believe in a higher agency than their own purposes or principles, we should fettr that many would abandon the profession they have made, and return to their former course of life.
Although the advantages resulting from frequent meetings for religious conversation, were too obvious to ii. 2u
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allow us to withhold every encouragement; and though, under the present circumstances and feelings of the people, they were peculiarly so; yet, as many of the communicants, and several who were desirous of uniting with them, were females, there were many things, in reference to which they needed advice, but which they did not deem suitable to introduce at a public meeting. Mrs. Barff and Mrs. Ellis therefore, being able to converse familiarly in the native language, proposed to meet the female members of the church, and those of their own sex who were desirous of joining them, once a week, for general conversation, and mutual spiritual improvement. This was an interesting meeting; it was held alternately at our respective habitations, Mrs. Barff and Mrs. Ellis both attending. It commenced with singing a hymn; a prayer was offered, and a portion, of Scripture read. After this, the most unreserved conversation followed on religious subjects, the training of their children, and other relative duties connected with the new order of things which Christianity had introduced.
Parental discipline among the people, prior to their reception of Christianity, had been remarkably lax. The children were their own masters as soon as they could act for themselves, and the restraint which the mother was able to impose was trifling indeed. Such was the abundance of provision, that the maintenance of a child was a matter of no anxiety to any one. Hence, if a boy felt offended with his parents, he left them without ceremony, attached himself to another family in an adjacent or remote district, and remained for months without visiting his father's house. To restrain these fugitive habits, and train their children to regular industry, was one of the
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duties inculcated on Christian parents; yet the children could but ill brook any restraint. I have seen a child, not more than six years old, strike or throw stones at his mother, and the father would oftentimes be scarcely more regarded.
The mothers were now anxious to influence the minds of their children, and gain their respect by kindness. The fathers sometimes had recourse to harsher measures. Hoibu had two sons, that were a source of great trouble to him. One of our number went one day into his house, which was a native dwelling, with no other ceiling than the inside of the roof, the ridge-pole extending along the centre, about twenty feet from the floor. After talking some time with the man, the visitor heard something rustling in a long basket of cocoa-nut leaves at the top of the house, and, looking up, saw the legs and arms of a boy protruding from the basket. On inquiring the cause of this, Hoibu said, the boy had been disobedient, and, in order to convince him of his error, he had first talked to him, and then put him into the basket, and, passing a rope over the ridge-pole, had fastened one end of it to the basket, and, pulling the other, had drawn him up there, that he might think on his disobedience, and not be guilty of the same again. He was informed that it was rather a novel mode of punishment, and that it was hoped he would not keep him there long. He said, no, he should lower him before the evening. A similar mode of punishment may, I believe, have been used in some of our public schools, in which a kind of large birdcage has been substituted for a basket; but of this Hoibu had never heard- The invention was his own, and it was scarcely possible to repress a smile at the . ludicrous appearance of the suspended boy.
332 POLYNESIAN RE6BARCHB8.
Although the training of their children, and other domestic duties, which the females wen now called to discharge, were important matter* of inquiry, there were othejg, more deeply interesting, frequently brought forward at their meetings. Some of these questions regarded the children who were, both since the gospel Jiad been introduced, and who they- were most anxJKms should share all its blessings; others frequently referred to such.as they had murdered under the influence of idolatry. Sometimes a mother would, in enumerating the Crimea of which she had. been guilty, .recount the number of her .innocents she bad destroyed, and with anguish, relate hex struggles pf affection, or pangs of remorse, and the distress she now fek; observing, that their images were eyer present to her thoughts, and, as it were, constantly haunting her paths, so that she was afraid even to retire to <£e secret places of the bushes for private prayer, lest their ghosts should rise before her. Often such individuals would say, they feared there was no hope of mercy for them, that they had repeatedly committed the premeditated murder of the innocent, and would perhaps repeat the Scripture declaration, that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him, and ask, "Ought I to go to Jesus Christ for pardon ? were any murderers of their own children ever forgiven ?"
While some would ask such questions as these, or state them as the exercises of their own minds, there were others who would speak of the cruelties of which they had been guilty, with a want of feeling that has appeared to border on insensibility to their enormity. Many, however, especially those who were most sensible of the mercy of God through Christ, would -on these occasions expatiate on the amazing forbearance of Jeho-
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vah, in sparing audi merciless creatures as they had been. They would also depress their astonishment at the love of Christ in -dying for thcm$ and the abun* dance of his jeompagsion, in continuing to send them the intelligence of. his salvation, and, after they had long disregarded it, not only forbearing, bnt making them willing in the day of his power;; melting their hearts, -drawing them with cords *rf sfieetion, and now causing them to rejoice in his love shed dteoad in their hearts. ,
Occasionally they would, in most affecting strains, allude to the anguish which th^tsight of their neighbours' children produced, by recalling nto remembrance those whom they had destroyed. Tk* contrast they often drew between their own childless, and desolate condition through their former cruel practice of infant murder—and that of those happy parents—who, under the reign of the Messiah, were surrounded by their children, was touching and painful. These were topics that could ,not he discussed without emotion, either by those who brought them forward, or by those from whom direction and advice were sought.
There was another matter connected .with this, of scarcely inferior interest, and that was, the sfate of those infants after death. Are their spirits, they would say, in outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, or are they happy ? In reply to this, though opinions were not given with confidence, they were informed, that though they.had not shmed, they had suffered death as the effect of Adam's transgression, yet that there was reason to hope and believe they were interested in the covenant of redemption, the condition of which the Lord Jesus Christ had fulfilled, and that therefore they were happy.
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It is impossible to conceive the satisfaction of mind which this opinion has inspired in those who had been guilty of the destruction of their offspring, though they were still sensible that the final condition of the murdered infants did not affect the criminal nature of the unnatural deed.
In reference to this point, they would often ask whether they should in heaven know those they had been acquainted with on earth, and especially if there they should recognize the children they had destroyed. In reply, they were informed, that from all that was said on the heavenly state in the Scriptures, there was reason to believe that friends on earth would know each other there, and that it was probable christian mothers would meet their children.
These were not mere speculative inquiries, the parties had a deep personal interest in them; and Mrs. Ellis has been greatly affected in witnessing the emotions with which these discussions have been carried on. I can readily suppose it altogether impossible to conceive of the rapturous expectation with which a christian mother, childless and desolate from her own cruelties, would by faith anticipate meeting in the happy world of spirits the children she had murdered in her days of ignorance on earth, and joining with them to celebrate the praises of Him by whom they had been snatched from the world of sinners ere they had felt its bitter contamination, and she had been brought to share redemption from its curse.
This opinion was not given simply to afford alleviation to the distressed feelings of such unhappy parents, but because it did not seem opposed, but rather favoured, by the word of God, agreeable to the benevolent character
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of the Deity, and adapted to enlarge our views of His compassion, without affecting His other attributes. We could, therefore, adopt the language and sentiments of the poet, in the belief that,
" The harp of heaven Had lack'd its least, but not its meanest string; Had children not bean taught to play upon it, l
And sing, from feelings all their own, what men Nor angels can conceive of creatures, born ,
Under the corse, yet from the curse redeemed, And placed at once beyond the power to mil,— '
Safely, which men nor angels ever knew, »
Till ranks of these, and all of those, had fallen."
The meeting of the females was closed with prayer by one of the natives, who, if a mother, would give the child, she had perhaps been nursing in her lap, to some one sitting by. Their prayers were marked by deep spirituality and strong feeling; and, I believe, these meetings were some of the most affecting seasons of intense and painful, or joyous and hallowed emotion, ever experienced. The individual engaging in the devotional exercise has sometimes, from the strength of feeling, been unable to proceed, and tears alone have afforded relief.
Early in the year 1821, in order to cultivate the most affectionate and profitable intercourse with our people, we proposed, in addition to visits in times of sickness, to pay to each family a pastoral visit, for part of an evening, once a month, or at least once in the course of two months. Mr. Barff and myself, dividing the families between us, were enabled to accomplish this. We were received with kindness by the parties, and it was our
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study to make these visits advantageous. The time was not spent in useless recital of the passing reports of the day; we addtessed ourselveB to each individual, when circumstances admitted, directing and encouraging them in their adherence to the Saviour, or inviting them to Him, and concluded our visit by uniting in prayer for the blessing of God upon their household, &c. We trust these domiciliary visits were beneficial; tbey were often cheering to our own minds. Some of the many happy hours I have been privileged to spend in Missionary occupations, have beejL those passed in the families of our people on such occasions. Here we sometimes saw the household virtues, the endearments of social and domestic comfort, cherished—shedding their benign, elevating, and purifying influence upon a family, the principal members, and sometimes the greater part of which, were* enjoying that blessing which maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow, and were preparing to join the faa&f of the redeemed in the abodes of blessedness. '
Associated with these delightful duties, there were others equally rieedful, but less pleasing, which we were called to discharge, in connexion with the infant church we had been' honoured to gather. These were acts of discipline, in the dismissal of those who by their conduct had disgraced the Christian profession. On these occasions, we presented to their consideration the direction of the scriptures, and the duty of the church resulting therefrom; and when it was necessary to dismiss an individual from fellowship, it was always done with solemn prayer and most affecting regret.
We were not called to this painful duty soon or often. One or two instances occurred, before I removed
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to the Sandwich Islands. They were, however, exceedingly distressing, especially the first* which preyed so constantly upon the mind of the individual, that, though fully convinced of his fault, and the propriety of the proceeding, he never recovered the shock he received. It was exceedingly painful to those, who could no longer, without dishonouring the Christian name, allow him to be identified with them, to separate him. He soon offered every evidence of deep and sincere penitence, and was affectionately invited to return to the bosom of the church: but although he came again among them, a cloud ever after hung over him; and a disease, aggravated by mental anxiety, now attacked his frame, and soon brought him to the grave.
Christian churches were formed upon the same or similar principles in the Windward or Georgian Islands, some months before this was established in Huahine. From the peculiar local circumstances of the people, the churches in Tahiti have been exposed to greater trials than that in Huahine has yet experienced, especially those formed in stations adjacent to the anchorage of shipping. In the vicinity of these, the baneful influence of foreign seamen is most destructive of moral improvement and Christian propriety in the people; and it is probable that there is more immorality among the inhabitants, and more disorder in the churches, at the stations which are the resort of shipping, than in all others throughout the islands. Still the churches there have not been, and are not, without some indication of the Divine care and blessing.
Subsequently, churches were formed in Raiatea, Tahaa, and Borabora, which have in general prospered. As their constitution and proceedings resemble those of Huahine, ii. 2x
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POLYNESIAN RBSEA&CIlJtS.
it is unnecessary to detail their origin or progress. I have selected that in Huahine, not because it is superior to others for its order, or faith, or the piety of its members, but because it was that of which I was, with my esteemed colleague, a pastor, till the providence of God called me to another field of Missionary labour—and because it was planted in the station at which I spent the greater part of the time I resided in the South Sea Island*.
I hare also been minute, perhaps too much so, in detailing its nature, order, and discipline. This has not arisen from a desire to give it undue prominency, but because it forms an important epoch in the history of the people, and is a matter of considerable interest with many who are concerned in the extension of the Christian faith throughout the world; I also conceived the patrons of the South Sea Mission entitled to the moat ample information on the subject.
It has not been my object to exhibit the plan and order of this, or the other churches in those islands, as models of perfection, nor to claim for them any degree of excellency which others, formed and regulated differently in some minor respects, might not possess; but simply to narrate our own views, and consequent proceed* ings, in reference to measures which will be regarded with indifference by few, if any, whatever may be their peculiar opinions as to the plan we have pursued. From all, I would ask fervent prayer, that whatever has been contrary to the will of God may be amended, and that what has been agreeable thereto may continue to share his bless* ing. The church of Christ infiuahine, as well as those in other islands, has had its trials. Some of its members, as might be expected, have departed from the faith and
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the purity of the gospel. The instances, however, have not been numerous; and I am gratified to know, that a number of young persons, several from the Sunday schools, have joined it; and that, though formed by sixteen individuals in the spring of 1820, it contained, in the autumn of 1827, nearly five hundred members*
i
340 POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
CHAP. XH.
Government of the South Sea Islands monarchical and arbitrary—Intimately connected with idolatry—Different ranks in society—Slavery— The proprietors of land—The regal family—Sovereignty hereditary—. Abdication of the lather in favour of the son—Distinctions of royalty-Modes of travelling—Sacredness of the king's person—Homage of the people—Singular ceremonies attending the inauguration of the king-Language of the Tahitian court—The royal residences—Dress, ore-Sources of revenue—Tenure of land—Division of the country—National councils—Forfeiture of possessions.
Tbb government of the South Sea Islands, like that which prevails in Hawaii, was an arbitrary monarchy. The supreme authority was vested in the king, and was hereditary in his family. It differed materially from the systems existing among the Marquesians in the east, and the New Zealanders in the south-west. There is no supreme ruler in either of these groups of islands, but the different tribes or clans are governed by their respective chieftains, each of whom is, in general, independent of any other. Regarding the inhabitants of Tahiti, and the adjacent islands, as an uncivilized people, ignorant of letters and the arts, their modes of governing were necessarily rude and irregular. In many respects, however, their institutions indicate great attention to the principles of government, an acquaintance with the means of controlling the conduct of man, and an advance-
POLYNESIAN RSSBARCHXS. 341
ment in the organization of their civil polity, which, under corresponding circumstances, is but rarely attained, and could scarcely have been expected. . Their government, in all its multiplied ramifications, was closely interwoven with their false system of religion, in its abstract theory, and in its practical details. The god and the king were generally supposed to share the authority over the mass of mankind between them. The latter sometimes personated the former, and received the homage and the requests presented by the votaries of the imaginary divinity, and at other times officiated as the head of his people, in rendering their acknowledgments to the gods. The office of high-priest was frequently sustained by the king—who thus united in his person the highest civil and sacerdotal station in the land. The genealogy of the reigning family was usually traced back to the first ages of their traditionary history; and the kings, in some of the islands, were supposed to have descended from the gods. Their persons were always sacred, and their families constituted the highest rank recognized among the people.
. The different grades in society were not so distinctly marked in Polynesia, as among the inhabitants of India, where the institution of caste exists; nor were they so strongly denned in Tahiti as among the Sandwich Islanders, whose government was perhaps more despotic than that which prevailed in the southern islands. The lines of separation were, nevertheless, sufficiently prominent; the higher orders being remarkably tenacious of their dignity, and jealous of its deterioration by contact with those beneath them.
Society among them was divided into three distinct ranks: the hui arii, the royal family and nobility—the
542
POLYNESIAN RS8SARCHX8.
hue RaatinLy the lauded proprietors, or gentry and farmers—and the manahune, or common people. These three ranks were subdivided into a number of distinct classes; the lowest class included the HH and the teuteu, the slaves and servants 5 the former were those who had lost their liberty in battle, or who, in consequence of the defeat of the chieftains to whom they were attached, had become the property of the conquerors. This kind of slavery appears to have existed among them from time immemorial. Individuals captured in actual combat, or who fled to the chief for projection when disarmed or disabled in the field, were considered the slaves of the captor or chief by whom they were protected. The women, children, and others, who remained in the dis+ tricts of the vanquished, were also regarded as belonging to them^ and the lands they occupied, together with their fields and plantations, were distributed among the victors.
We do not know that they ever carried on a traffic in slaves, or sold those whom they had conquered, though a chief might give a captive for a servant to a friend. This is the only kind of slavery that has ever obtained among them, and corresponds with that which has prevailed in most of the nations of the earth in their rude state, or during the earlier periods of their history. This stake of slavery among them was in general mild, compared with the affecting cruelty by which it has been distinguished in modern times, among those who support the inhuman system of trafficking in these unhappy beingB. If peace continued, the captive frequently regained his liberty after a limited servitude, and was permitted to return to his own land, or remain in voluntary service with his master.
POLYNESIAN RBSfiARCHES.
843
So long, however, as they continued slaves or captives, their Hves were in jeopardy. Sometimes they were suddenly murdered, to satiate the latent revenge of their conquerors; at others reserved as human victims, to be offered in sacrifice to their gods* Slavery, in every form, is perfectly consistent with paganism, and was maintained among them as one means of contributing to its support. This kind obtains in most of the islands, but is probably for more oppressive in New Zealand than in the Society Islands. The slaves among the former are treated with the greatest cruelty, and often inhumanly murdered and eaten*
The Humahune also included the teuttu, or servants of the chiefs; all who were destitute of any land, and ignorant of the rude arts of carpentering, building, &c which were respected among them, and such as were reduced to a state of dependence upon those in higher stations. Although the manahune have always included a large number of the inhabitants, they have not in modern times been so numerous as some other ranks. Since the population has been so greatly diminished, the means of subsistence so abundant, and such vast portions of the country uncultivated, an industrious individual has seldom experienced much difficulty in securing at least the occupancy of a piece of land* The fishermen and artisans (sometimes belonging to this class, but more frequently to that immediately above it,) may be said to have constituted the connect-teg link between the two.
The bue raatira, gentry and farmers, has ever been tine most numerous and influential class, constituting at all times the body of the people, and the strength of the nation. They were generally the proprietors and culti-
344
POLYNKSIAN RJSSBARCHBS.
vators of the soil, and held their land, not from the gift of the king, but from their, ancestors. The petty matins frequently possessed from 20 to 100 acres, and generally had more than their necessities required. They resided on their own. lands, and enclosed so much as was necessary for their own support. They were the most industrious class of the community, working their own plantations, building their own houses,'manufacturing their own cloth and mats, besides furnishing these articles for the king.
The higher class among the raatiras were those who possessed large tracts of land in one place, or a number of smaller sections in different parts. Some of them owned perhaps many hundred acres, parts of wLich were cultivated by those who lived in a state of dependence upon them, or by those petty raatiras who occupied their plantations on condition of rendering military service to the proprietors, and a portion of the produce. These individuals were a valuable class in the community, and constituted the aristocracy of the country. They were in general more regular, temperate, and industrious in their habits, than the higher ranks, and, in all the measures of government, imposed a considerable restraint upon the extravagance or precipitancy of the king, who, without their co-operation, could carry but few of his measures. In their public national assemblies, the speakers often compared the nation to a ship, of which the king was the mast; and whenever this figure was used, the raatiras were always termed the shrouds, or ropes by which the mast is kept upright. Possessing at all times the most ample stores of native provisions, the number of their dependents, or retainers, was great. The destitute and thoughtless readily attached themselves
POLYNESIAN RBSEARCHBS,
345
to their establishments, for the purpose of securing the means of subsistence without care or apprehension of want.
The bue raatira were the middle class in society; forming the most important body in times of peace, and furnishing the strength of their armies in periods of war. Warriors were sometimes found among the attendants on the king or chief; but the principal dependence was upon the raatiras. These, influenced by the noble spirit of independence, accustomed to habits of personal labour, and capable of enduring the fatigues of war, were, probably from interest in the soil, moved by sentiments of patriotism more powerfully than any other portion of the people. The raatiras were frequently the priests in their own family temples; and the priests of the national maraes, excepting those allied by blood to the reigning families, were usually ranked with them.
The hui arii, or highest class, included the king or reigning chieftain in each island, the members of his family, and all who were related to them. This class, though not numerous, was considered the most influential in the state. Being the highest in dignity and rank, its elevation in the estimation of the people was guarded with extreme care; and the individuals of whom it was composed, were exceedingly pertinacious of their distinction, and jealous of the least degradation by the admission of inferiors to their dignity.
Whenever a matrimonial connexion took place between any one of the hui arii with an individual of an inferior order, unless a variety of ceremonies was performed at the temple, by which the inferiority was supposed to be removed, and the parties made equal in dignity, all the offspring of such an union was invariably destroyed, ii. 2y
346
POLYNESIAN RtttfKARCHKS.
to preserve the distinction of the hui arii, or reigning families.
The king was supreme, and next to him the queen. The brothers of the king, and his parents, were nearest in rank, the other members of the family taking precedence according to their degrees of consanguinity. The regal office is hereditary, and descends from the father to the eldest son: It is not, however, confined to the male sex; these islands have often been governed by a queen. Oberea was the queen of Tahiti when it was discovered by Wallis; and Aimata, the daughter of Pomare II. now exercises the supreme authority in Tahiti and -Eimeo. the daughter of the king of Raiatea is also the nominal sovereign of the island of fiuahine.
The most singular usage, however, connected with the established law of primogeniture, which obtained in the islands, was the father's abdication of the throne on the birth of his son. This was an invariable, and appears to have been an ancient practice'. If the rank of the mother was inferior to that of the father, the children, whether male or female, were destroyed; but if the mother originally be* longed to the hui arii, or had been raised to that elevation on her marriage with the king, she was regarded as the queen of the nation. Whatever might be the age of the king, his influence in the. state, or the political aspect of affairs in reference to other tribes, as soon as a son was born, the monarch became a subject—and the infant was at once proclaimed the sovereign of the people. The royal name was conferred upon htm, and his father was the first to do him homage, by saluting his feet, and declaring him king. The herald of the nation was then despatched round the island with the flag of the infant king. The .banner was unfurled, and the young sove-
POLVNKtflAN RKSXARCI1SS. 347
reign's name proclaimed in every district If respected, and allowed to pass, it was considered an acknowledgment by the raatiras and chiefs, of his succession to the government j bat if broken, it was regarded as an act* of rebellion, or an open declaration: of war. Numerous ceremonies were performed at the marae, a splendid establishment was forthwith formed for the young king, and a large train of attendants accompanied him to-whatever place he was conveyed. . .' • Every affair important to the internal welfare of the nation, or its foreign relations, continued to be transacted by the father, and those whom he had formerly associated as his counsellors; but every edict was issued in the name and on the behalf of the young ruler; and though the whole of the executive government might remain in the hands of the father, he only acted as regent for his son, and was regarded as such by the nation. The insignia of regal authority, and the homage which the father had been accustomed to receive from the people, were at once transferred .to his successor. Hie lands, and other sources of the king's support, were appropriated to the maintenance of the household establishment of the infant ruler; and the father rendered him those demonstrations of inferiority, which he himself had heretofore required from the people.
This remarkable custom was not confined to the family of the sovereign, but prevailed among the hui arii and the raatiras. In both these classes, the eldest son immediately at his birth received the honours and titles which his father had hitherto borne.
. It is not easy to trace the origin or discover the design of a usage so singular, and apparently of such high antiquity, among a people to whom it is almost peculiar.
348
PdLYNBSIAtf BB6BARCHAS.
Jts advantages *re not very apparent, unless we suppose it was adopted by the father to secure to his son undisputed succession to his dignity and power. If this was the design, the plan was admirably adapted to its accomplishment; for the son was usually firmly-fixed in the government before the father's decease, and was some* times called to act as regent for his own son, before, according- to the ordinary institutions, he would himself have been invested with royal dignity.
Considering the inhabitants of the South Sea Islands as but slightly removed from barbarism, we are almost surprised at the homage and respect they paid to their rulers. The difference between them and the common people was, in many respects, far greater than that which prevails between the rulers and the ruled in most civilized countries. Whether, like the sovereigns of the Sandwich Islands, they were supposed to derive their origin by lineal descent from the gods, or not, their persons were regarded as scarcely less sacred than the personifications of their deities.
• Everything in the least degree connected with the king or queen—the cloth they wore, the houses in which they dwelt,' the canoes in which they voyaged, the men by whom -they were borne when they journeyed by land, became sacred—and even the sounds in the language, composing their names, could no longer be appropriated to ordinary significations. Hence, the original names of most of the objects with which they were familiar, have from time to time undergone considerable alterations. The ground on which they trod, even accidentally, became sacred; and the dwelling under which they might enter, must for ever after be vacated by its proprietors, and could be appropriated
POLYNESIAN ABSBABCHSS.
349
only to the use of these sacred personages. No individual was allowed to touch the bodies of the king or queen) and every one who should stand over them, or pass the hand over their heads, would be liable to pay for the sacrilegious act with the forfeiture of his life* It was on account of this supposed sacredness of person that they could never enter any dwelling, excepting those that were specially dedicated to their use, and prohibited to all others; nor might they tread on the ground in any part of the island but their own here* ditary districts.
The sovereign and his consort always appeared in public on men's shoulders,* and travelled in this manner wherever they journeyed by land. They were seated on the neck or shoulders of their bearers, who were generally stout athletic men. The persons of the men, in consequence of their office, were regarded as sacred. The individuals thus elevated appeared to sit with ease and security, holding slightly by the head, while their feet hung down on the breast, and were clasped in the arms of the bearer. When they travelled, they proceeded at a tolerably rapid pace, frequently six miles within the hour. A number of attendants ran by the side of the bearers, or followed in their train; .and when the men who carried the royal personages grew weary, they were relieved by others.
The king and queen were always accompanied by several pair of sacred men, or bearers, and the transit from the shoulders of one to those of another, at the termination of an ordinary stage, was accompanied- with much greater despatch than the horses of a mail-coach are changed, or an equestrian could alight and remount.
* Ai represented in the engraving, interled at page 64, .Vol. L
360
POLYNESIAN RBSSARCBBS;
On these occasions, their majesties never suffered their feet to touch' the ground; but when they wished to change, what to them answered the purpose of horses, they called two of the men, who were running- by their side; and while the man, on whose neck they were sitting, made little mote than a momentary halt, the individuals who were to take them onward, fixed their hands upon their thighs, and bent their heads slightly forward: when they had assumed this position, the royal riders, with apparently but little effort, vaulted over the head of the man on whose neck they had been sitting, and, alighting on die shoulders of his successor in office, proceeded on their journey with the shortest possible detention. .
This mode of conveyance was called amo or vaha, it could not have been very comfortable even to the riders; while to the bearers it must have been exceedingly laborious. The men selected for this duty, which was considered the most honourable post next to that of bearers of the gods, were generally exempted from labour, and, as they seldom did any thing else, were not perhaps much incommoded by their office; and although the seas occupied by those they bore was. not perhaps the most easy, yet as it was a mark of the highest dignity in the nation; and as none but the king and queen, and occasionally their nearest relatives, were allowed the distinction it exhibited, they felt probably a corresponding satisfaction and complacency in thus appearing before their subjects, whenever they left their hereditary district. The effect must have been somewhat imposing, when, on public occasions, vast multitudes were assembled, and their sovereign, thus elevated above every individual, appeared among them.
POLVNSS1AN RBMAftCfUS.
361
In our different journeys and voyages among the islands, where there hare been but few means of crossing a stream without lording it, or of landing, from a boat.or canoe.without wading some distance in the water, we have often.been glad to be carried, either across a river, or from the boat to the shore. On these occasions they hare assisted us to mount in.aneient regal style* Though we generally preferred riding on their backs, and throwing our. arms round their, necks,' we hare nevertheless, when the river has been deep, seated ourselves upon their, shoulders, and in this position have passed the stream, without any other inconvenience than that which has arisen from the apprehension, of losing our balance, and falling. headlong into the water.—The inhabitants of Rurutu have a singular and less pkasant method of conveying their friends from a boat, &c. to the shore. On the arrival .of strangers, every-man endeavours to obtain one. as a friend, and carry him off to bis own habitation, where he is treated with the greatest kindness by the inhabitants of the district; they place him on a high seat, and feed him with abundance of the finest food. After an arrival from a strange island, when a man sees his neighbour carrying a friend or a newcomer on his Bhoulders, he attacks him—a fight ensues, for the possession of the prize—if the man who formerly possessed it is victorious, he goes home with his man on bis shoulders, receives a hearty welcome, and is regarded by the whole district as a brave fellow, and a good man; .whereas if he loses the prize, he is looked upon by all his friends as a coward*
I am not aware that the highest rulers in the Society Islands received at any time the same kind of homage which the Hawaiians occasionally paid.to those.chiefs
352 POLYNESIAN RASKARCHBS.
who were considered to have descended from the gods. When these walked out daring the season of tabu, the people prostrated themselves, with their faces touching the ground, as they passed along. A mark of homage, however, equally humiliating to those who rendered it, and probably as nattering to the individuals by whom it was received, was in far more extensive and perpetual use among the Tahitians. Tnis was, the stripping down the upper garments, and uncovering the body as low as the waist, in the presence of the king. This homage was paid to the gods, and also to their temples. In passing these, every individual, either walking on the shore, or sailing in a canoe, removed whatever article of dress he wore upon the shoulders and breast, and passed uncovered the depository of the deities, the site of their altars, or the rude temples of their worship.
Whenever the king appeared abroad, or the people approached his presence, this mark of reverence was required from all ranks; his own father and mother were not excepted, but were generally the first to uncover themselves when he approached. Tlie people inhabiting the district through which he passed, uncovered as he approached; and those, who sat in the houses by the road-side, as soon as they heard the cry of te am, te ora, " the king, the king," stripped off their upper garments, and did not venture to replace them till he had passed. If by any accident he came upon them unexpectedly, the doth they wore was instantly rent in pieces, and an atonement offered. Any individual whom he might pass on the road, should he hesitate to remove this part of his dress, would be in danger of losing his life on the spot, or of being marked as a victim of sacrifice to the gods.
POLYNESIAN RESBARCHKS. 363
* Hub distinguishing mark of respect was not only rendered at all times, and from every individual* to the* person of the king, but even to his dwellings, wherever they1 might be. These houses were considered sacred, and were the only* habitations, in any part of the island* Where the king could alight, and take refreshment and repose. The ground, for a considerable space on both sides, was in their estimation sacred. A tii> or carved image, fixed on a high pedestal, was placed by the roadside, at a short distance from the dwelling, and marked the boundary of the sacred soil. All travellers passing these houses* on approaching the first image, stripped'off the upper part of their dress, and, whether the king wrt* residing there or not, walked uncovered to the image at the opposite* boundary. After passing this, they replaced their poncho, or kind of mantle, and pursued their journey.
To refuse this homage would have been considered not only as an indication of disaffection towards the king, but as rebellion against the government, and impiety towards the gods, exposing the individuals to the ven-feance of the supreme powers in the visible and invisible worlds. Such was the unapproachable elevation to which the superstitions of the people raised the rulers in the South Sea Islands, and such the marked distinction that prevailed between the king and people, from his birth, until he was superseded in title and rank by his own son.
The ceremony of inauguration to the regal office, which took place when the king assumed the government, being one of considerable moment, was celebrated with a rude magnificence, though, like every other observance, it was distinguished by its disgusting abominations, and its Jf. 2 z
354 PQXVNBSIAN RB8BAKCHJB6.
horrid cruelty. There was no fixed period of life at which the youth were said to have arrived at yean of manhood. Unaccustomed to keep even traditionary accounts of the time of their birth, there were but few whose age was known. The period therefore when the young king was formally invested with the regalia, and introduced to his high office, was regulated by his own character and disposition, the will of his father and guar* dians, or the exigences of the state; it generally took place some years before he had reached the age of twenty* one.
As it was one of the most important events to the nation, great preparation was made for its being duly celebrated; and whatever could give effect to the pageant was carefully provided. The gods indicated the interest they were supposed to take in the transaction, by the miraculous events that occurred at this time. Among, those might be mentioned the sacred doo, a tree resembling the banian of India, that spread over Faa-ape. This was said to have shot forth a new fibrous branch at his birth, and this branch or tendril reached the ground when he was to be made king. Taneua, a bamboo used on the occasion, was said to draw its roots out of the ground at the - approach of the ceremony, and to leap into the hand of the person who was sent for it.
The inauguration ceremony, answering to coronation among other nations, consisted in girding the king with the maro wa> or sacred girdle of red feathers; which not only raised him to .the highest earthly station, but identified him with their gods. The maro or girdle was made with the. beaten fibres of the ava; with these a number of ura, red feathers, taken from the images of their deities, were interwoven. The maro thus became
POLYNBSIAN RBSBARCHX&
866
sacred, even as the person of the gods, the feathers being supposed to retain all the dreadful attributes of vengeance which the idols possessed, and with which it was designed to endow the king. Every part of the proceeding was marked by its absurdity or its wick* edness, but the most affecting circumstance was the murderous cruelty attending even the preparation for its celebration.
In order to render the gods propitious to the trans* mission of this power, a human victim was sacrificed when they commenced the fatu raa, or manufacture of this girdle. This unhappy wretch was called the sacrifice for the mau raa HH9 commencement or fastening on of the sacred maro. Sometimes a human victim was offered for every fresh piece added to the girdle; and when it was finished, another man, called Sacrifice for the piuraamaro, was slain; and the girdle was considered as consecrated by the blood of those victims. On the morning of what might be called the coronation day, when the king bathed prior to the commencement of the ceremonies, another human victim was required in the name of the gods.
The pageant, on this occasion, proceeded by land and water. The parties who were to be engaged in the trans-' actions of the day, assembled in the marae of Oro, the tutelar deity of the nation. Certain ceremonies were here performed : the image of Oro, stripped of the sacred cloth in which he usually reposed, and decorated with all the emblems of his divinity, was conveyed to the large court of the temple; the Papa rahio ruea, or great bed of Oro, a large curiously formed bench or sofa cut out of a solid piece of timber, was brought out for the throne on which the king was to sit.
add
FOLYHBS1AN RBSBAICJMS.
When these preliminaries were finished, they proceeded from the temple in the following order.—Tari-moa, one of the priests of the family of Tairi, carried the image at Oro. The king followed immediately alter the god. Be-i hind him the large bed of Oro was borne by four chiefs* The miro-tahua, or orders of priests, with the great dram from the temple, the trumpets, and other instruments* Bach of the priests wore a tapaau, or ornament, on the arm, consisting of the braided leaflets of the cocoa-nut tree. As soon as the image appeared without the temple, themultitude, who were waiting to witness the pageant, retired to a respectful distance on each side, leaving a wide clear space. The priests sounded their trumpets, and heat the sacred drum, as they marched in procession from the temple to the sea-shore, where a fleet of canoes, previously prepared, was waiting for them* The sacred canoe, or state barge of Oro, was distinguished from the rest by the tapaau, or sacred ornaments of platted cocoa-nut leaves, by which it was surrojinded, end whieji were worn by every individual on board. . .
As soon as the procession reached the beach, Oro was carried on board, and followed by the priests and instruments of music, while the .king took his seat upon the sacred sleeping-place of Oro, which was fixed pn iltya shore. The chiefs stood, around the king, and the priests around the god, until, upon a signal given, the king arose from his seat, advanced into the sea, and bathed his per** son. The priest of Oro then descended into the water, bearing in his hand a branch of the sacred mero, plucked &om the tree which grew in the precincts of the temple* While the king was bathing, the priest struck him on his back with the sacred branch, and offered up the prescribed ubu, or invocation to Taaroa, The design qf
POLTNBS1AN RMBARCHnS, 967
this park of the ceremony was to purify the. king from all mahuru huru, or defilement and guilt, which he might have contracted, according to their own expression, by bis having seized any land, banished any people, committed murder, &c.
When these ablutions were completed, the king and the priest ascended the sacred canoe. Here, in the pre* sence of Oro, he was invested with the maro ura, ot sacred girdle, which, the feathers from the idol being interwoven in it, was supposed to impart to the king a power equal to that possessed by Oro. The priest, while employed in girding the king with this emblem *f do* minion and majesty, pronounced an ubu, commencing with Faaatea te aru i tai i motu taint, "Extend or spread the. influence c£ the king over the aea .to .the sacred Island," describing also the nature of hi* girdle, and addressing the king at the close, by saying—Madua Ur* avert* Arii: "Parent this, of yam o long;" indicating that from the gods all his power was derived* As soon as the ubu waa finished, the multitude on the beach* and in the surrounding canoes, lifted up the. right* hand* and greeted the new monarch with loud and uni*» versa!, acclamations of Maeva arii! maeva aru J The steersman in the sacred canoe struck his paddle against the side of the vessel, which, was the signal to the rowers, who instantly started from the shore towards the reef; having the god, and the king, girded as it were with the deity, on board; the priests beating their large drum, and sounding their trumpets, which were beautiful large turbo, or trumpet-shells* The thronging spectators followed in their canoes, raising their right-hand in the aii^ and shouting Maeva arii J
Having proceeded in this manner for a considerable
358 rOLVNBMAN RBtlABCffiN;
distance, to indicate the dominion of the king on the sen; and receive the homage of the powers of the deep, they returned towards the shore* '
• During this excursion, Tuumao and Tahui, two deified sharks, a sort of demi-gods of the sea, were influenced hy Oro to come and congratulate the new king on the assumption of his government. If the monarch was a legitimate ruler, and one elevated to the office with the sanction of the superior powers, these sharks, it was said, always came to pay their respects to him, either while he was bathing in the sea, or during the excursion in the sacred canoe. But it is probable, that when they approached while his majesty was in the water, some of his attendants were stationed round to prevent their coming too near, lest their salutations should have been more direct and personal than would have proved agreeable.
Hie fleet reaching the shore, the parties landed, when the king was placed on the papa rate o ruea, or sacred couch of Qro, as his throne; but instead of a footstool, the ordinary appendage to a throne, he reclined his head on the wrua Tafeuy the sacred pillow of Tafeu. This was also cut out of a solid piece of wood, and ornamented with carving.
The procession was now formed as before, and moving towards Tabutabuatea, the great national temple, Tairi-moa, bearing the image of Oro, led the way. The king, reclining on his throne, or couch of royalty, followed immediately after* He was borne on the shoulders of four principal nobles connected with the reigning family. The chiefs and priests followed in his train, the latter sounding their trumpets, and beating the large sacred drum, while the spectators shouted Maeva arU! as they
POLYNESIAN RSSttARCHBS*
869
proceeded to the .temple* The multitude .followed.them into the court of the marae, where the king's couch or throne was fixed upon the elevated stone platform, in the midst of the uru, or carved ornaments of wood ereeted in honour of the departed chiefs whose bones had been deposited there.
. The principal idol Oro, and his son Hiro, were placed by the side of the king, and the gods and the king here received the homage and tribute of allegiance from the people. A veil must be thrown over the vices with which the ceremonies were concluded.
Although this ceremony was one of the least offensive festivities that ever occurred among them, the murderous cruelty with which it commenced, and the wickedness with which it terminated, were adapted to impress the mind with acutest anguish and deepest commiseration. The abominations continued until the blowing of the trumpet on board the canoes required every one to depart from the temple. They now repaired to the. banquet or feast provided for. the occasion, and passed the remainder of the day in unrestrained indulgence and excess.
The phraseology, of the Tahitian .court 'was in perfect accordance with the elevation, and sacred connexion with their divinities, which the binding on the red girdle was designed to recognize and ratify. The preposterous vanity and adulation in language, used in epithets bestowed upon the king of Tahiti and his establishment, fully equal those employed in the most gorgeous establishment of Eastern princes, or the seraglios of Turkish sultans.
It was not only declared that Oro was the father of the king, as was implied by the address of the priest when arraying him in the sacred girdle, and the station
360
POLYNBMAK aftSBABCBBS,
occupied by his throne, when placed in the temple by the side of the deities, but it pervaded the terms used m reference to his whole establishment. His* houses were called the aorai> the clouds of hemven * dmtfntta; the rainbow, was the name of the canoe in which he voyaged; his voice was called thunder; the glare of the torches in his dwelling was denominated lightning ;• and when the people saw them in the evening, as they passed near his abode, instead of saying the torches Were horning in the palace, they would observe that the light; ning was flashing in the clouds of heavens* When he passed from one district to another on the shouldefcs of his bearers, instead of speaking of his travelling from one place to another, they always used tile word wwAttfoj which signifies to fly; and hence described Ms' journey by. saying, that the king was flying from one district* of the island to another.'
The establishment and habits of the king often exhibited the most striking contrast; at one time he was seen surrounded by the priests, and invested with the insignia of royalty, and divinity itself; or appeared m public on the shoulders of his bearers, while the people expressed every indication ai superstitious reverence and fear. At other times, he might be seen on terms of the greatest familiarity with his attendants and domestics.
He never wore a crown, or any badge of dignity, and, in general, there was no difference between his dress and that of the chiefs by whom he was.surrounded, excepting that the fine cloth and matting, called vane, with which he was often arrayed, were more rare and valuable than the dress worn by others. His raiment frequently con* sisted of the ordinary pareu, or ami pu, in quality often
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
361
inferior to that worn by some of the. chiefs in attendance upon him.
In some of the islands to the westward, at the ceremonies of the temple, the people, to shew their homage, wound folds of cloth repeatedly round the body of the king, till he was unable to move, and appeared as if it was only a man's head resting on the immense bale of cloth in which he was enclosed. I do not know that the kings of Tahiti ever experienced Such treatment from their subjects. The kings of the former were left in this ludicrous and helpless situation, while the people travelled round the island, boxing and wrestling, in honour of their sovereign, throughout every district.
The regal establishment was maintained by the produce of the hereditary districts of the reigning family, and the requisitions made upon the people. Although the authority of the king was supreme, and his power undisputed, yet he does not appear to have been considered as the absolute proprietor of the land, nor do the occupants seem to have been mere tenants at will, as was the fact in the Sandwich Islands.
• There were certain districts which constituted the patrimony of the royal family; in these they could walk abroad, as they were sacred lands. The other districts were regarded as belonging to their respective occupants or proprietors, who were generally raatiras, and whose interest in the soil was distinct from that of the king, and often more extensive. These lamb they inherited from their ancestors, and bequeathed them to their children, or whomsoever they chose to select as their heirs. At their death the parties to whom land had been thus left, entered into undisturbed possession, as of rightful property.
ii. 3 a
302 POLYNESIAN RBSBARCRES.
The practice of tutoring, or devising by will, was found to exist among them prior to the arrival of the Mis* sionaries, and was employed not only in reference to laud, but to any other kinds of property. Unacquainted with letters, they could not leave a written will, but during a season of illness, those possessing property frequently called together the members of the family, or confidential friends, and to them gave directions for the disposal of their effects after their decease. This was considered a kind of sacred charge, and was usually executed with fidelity.
Every portion of land had its respective owner} and even the distinct trees on the land had sometimes different proprietors, and a tree, and the land it grew on, different owners. The divisions of land were accurately marked by a natural boundary, as a ridge of mountains, or the course of a river, or by artificial means; and frequently a carved image, or til, denoted the extent of their different possessions. Whether these tiis were designed to intimate that the spirits they represented guarded the borders of their property, or were used as ornaments, I could not learn, but the removal of the ancient landmarks was regarded as a heinous offence.
The produce which the king received from his hereditary estates being seldom sufficient for the maintenance of his household, the deficiency was supplied from the different districts of the islands. The frequency, however, with which the inferior chiefs were required to bring provisions, was neither fixed nor regular, but was governed by the number of the districts, or the necessities of the king's steward. Still there was a sort of tacit agreement between the king and chiefs, as to the times when they should furnish his provision; and the
POLYNESIAN RM6BARCHJE6, JQft
usage among them in this respect, was generally understood.
The provision was usually ready dressed, though occa-* sionally the vegetables and roots were brought uncooked, and the pigs led alive to the king's servants. The piga, alter being presented to the king, were sometimes taken back by the farmer, and fed till required for use. Cloth for the dress of the king's servants, houses for his abode, and canoes not only for himself but also for those of his household, were furnished by the inhabitants of the islands.
' - Although the king's will was the supreme law, and the government in some respects despotic, it approximated more to a mixed administration, a union of monarchy and aristocracy. The king had usually one confidential chief near his person, who was his adviser in every affair of importance, and was, in fact, the prime minister. Frequently there were two or three who possessed the confidence, and aided the councils, of the king. These ministers were not responsible to any one for the advice they gave. So great, however, was the influence of the raatiras, that a measure of any importance, such as the declaration of war, or the fitting out a fleet, was seldom undertaken without their being first consulted. This was effected by the friends of the king going among them, and proposing the affair in contemplation, or by convening a public council for its consideration.
Their public measures were not distinguished by promptness or decision, excepting when they wreaked vengeance upon the poor and helpless victims of their displeasure. After a meeting of the chiefs had been summoned, it was a long time before all came together, and their meetings were often interrupted by adjournments.
364
POLYNESIAN RBSBAECHJB8.
Their councils were usually held in the open air, where the chiefs and others formed a circle, in which the orators of the different parties took their stations opposite to each other. These orators were the principal, but not the only speakers. The king often addressed the assembly. The warriors and the raatiras also delivered their sentiments with boldness and freedom. When a difference of opinion prevailed, and words ran high, the impetuosity of their passions broke through all restraint, and the council terminated in scenes of confusion and bloodshed; or if they ended without open hostility, the chieftains returned to their respective districts, to assemble their tenantry, and prepare for war.
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chap. xra.
Power of the chiefs and proprietors of land—Banishment and confiscation —The king's messenger—The niau, an emblem of authority—Ancient usages in reference to crime, etc*—Fatal effects of jealousy—Seizure of property—Punishment of theft—Public works—Supplies lor the king~-Desaotw rapacity—Extortion of the king's servants—Unorganised state of ciril polity—Desire a code of Christian laws—Adrice and conduct of the Missionaries—Preparation of the laws—Public enactment by the king in a national assembly at Tahiti—Capital punishments—Manner of conducting public trials—Establishment of laws in Raiatea—Preparation of those for Huahine.
Evert chief was the sovereign of his own district, though all acknowledged the supremacy of the king. Each island was divided into a number of large portions, or districts, called Mataina a term also applied to the inhabitants of a district. These mataina had distinct names, and were under the government of a chieftain of rank or dignity belonging to the reigning family, or to the raatiras. This individual was the baron of the domain, or the lord of the manor, and was succeeded in his possessions and his office by his son, or the nearest of his kindred, with a fresh appointment from the king.
For treason, rebellion, or withholding supplies, individuals were liable to banishment, and confiscation of property. The king had the prerogative of nominating his successor, but could not appropriate the lands of the exile to his own use. The removal of a chief
366
POLYNESIAN RSSKARCHBS.
of high rank, or of extensive influence, was seldom attempted, unless the measure was approved by the other chief8. The sovereign was, therefore, more desirous to conciliate their esteem, and engage their co-operation, than to prejudice them against his person or measures. As he had no permanent armed force at his disposal, he could not, on every occasion, accomplish his wishes; and, at times, when he has issued his mandate for the banishment of a raatira, if the other raatiras deemed his expulsion unwarrantable, they have desired him to keep possession of his lands, and then, remonstrating with the king, have declared tiieir determination to maintain the cause of the injured party, even by force of arms. The extent of power possessed by the raatiras, in the number of tjieir tenantry and dependants, was one of the greatest sources of embarrassment to the government, whose measures were only regulated by the will of the ruler, or the exigencies of the state.
In the division of their country, the natives appear to have had a remarkable predilection for the number eight. Almost every island, whatever its size, is divided into eight districts, and the inhabitants into an equal number of mataina, or divisions. In each district the power of the chief was supreme, and greater than that which the king exercised over the whole. This power extended to the persons and lives, as well as the property, of the people.
The inferior chiefs also exercised the same authority over their dependants. The father was magistrate in his 4>wn family; the chief in his own district ; and the king nominally dispensed law and justice to the whole. The final appeal, in all matters of dispute, was made to the chief ruler; and the parties who resorted to his decision,
POLYNBSIAN RBSHARCHJBS.
387
usually regarded it as binding. The king kept no armed force, neither was there any regular police for the maintenance of public order. The chief of each district was accountable for the conduct of the people under his own jurisdiction. The chieftains who were in attendance on the king, with the serrants of his establishment, were the agents usually employed to carry his measures into effect^ Hie servants of the raatiras performed the same duty in their respective localities, and the king often sent his order to the district, chief, who employed his own men in its execution.
Notwithstanding the many acts of homage paid to the head and other branches of the reigning family, and their imagined connexion with the gods, the actual influence of the king over the haughty and despotic district chieftains, was neither powerful nor permanent, and he could seldom confide in their fidelity in any project which would not advance their interests as well as his own. Every men* sure was therefore planned with the most cautious de-Bberation* the approval and aid of a number of these nobility of the country being essential to carry it into effect; but when the interests of the reigning family and those of the chieftains were opposed, it produced no small embarrasment. These raatiras, who resembled the barons of the feudal system, kept the people under them in a state of the greatest subjection, and received from them not only military service, but a portion of the produce of their lands, and personal labour whenever required.
Whenever a measure affecting the whole of the inhabitants was adopted, the king's vea, or messenger, was despatched with a bundle of niaus, or leaflets. On entering a district, he repaired to the habitation of the princi-
868 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
pal chiefs, and, presenting a cocoa-nut leaf, delivered the orders of the king. The acceptance of the leaf was a declaration of their compliance with the requisition, and to decline taking it was regarded as an intimation of their refusal to accede to the measure proposed. Hence the messenger or herald, when he had travelled round the island, reported to the king, who had received and who had refused the niau. When the chiefs approved of the message, they sent their own messengers to their respective tenants and dependants, with a cocoa-nut leaf for each, and the orders of the king.
The niauj or leaflets of the cocoa-nut tree, was the emblem of authority throughout the whole of the Geor-gian and Society Islands; and requisitions for property or labour, preparations for war, or the convocation of a national assembly, were formerly made by sending the cocoa-nut leaf to those whose services or attendance was required* To return or refuse the niau was to offer an insult to the king, and to resist his authority.
If the king felt himself strong enough, he would instantly banish such an individual, and send another to take possession of his lands, and occupy his station as chief of the district. Should the offender have been guilty of disobedience to the just demands of the king, though the lands might be his hereditary property, he must leave them, and become, as the people expressed it, a wanderer " upon the road;" but if the king's conduct was considered arbitrary, and the individual justified in his refusal by the other chiefs, they would tapea, or detain him, and protest to the king against his removal. The parties generally knew each other's strength and influence, and those who had little hopes of succeeding by an appeal to arms, usually conceded whatever was required*
POLYNESIAN RESSARCHB&.
309
Personal security, and the rights of private property, were unknown; and the administration of justice by the chiefs in the several districts, and the king over the whole, was regulated more by the relative power and influence of the parties, than by the merits of their cause.
They had no regular code of laws, nor any public courts of justice, and, excepting in offences against the king and chiefs, the rulers were seldom appealed toi The people in general avenged their own injuries. Death or banishment was the punishment usually inflicted by the chiefs, and frequently the objects of their displeasure were marked out as victims for sacrifice.
Destitute, however, as they were of even oral laws or institutes, there were many acts, which by general consent, were considered criminal, and deserving punishment. These were vrure kau> rebellion, or shaking the government, withholding supplies, or even speaking contemptuously of the king or- his administration* So hrfimud was tins offence, that the criminal was not only liable to banishment, or the forfeiture of his life, but a human sacrifice must be offered, to atone for the guilt, and appease the displeasure of the gods against the people of the land in which it had been committed. Lewdness was not regarded as a crime, but adultery was sometimes punished with death. Those among the middle or higher ranks who practised polygamy, allowed their wives other husbands* It is reported that brothers, or members of the same family, sometimes exchanged their wives, while the wife of every individual was also the wife of his iah or Mend.
Their character in this respect presents a most unnatural mixture of brutal degradation, with infuriated and n. 3 b
370 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
malignant jealousy; for while their conduct with respect to the taio, &c. exhibits an insensibility to every feeling essential to conjugal happiness, the least familiarity with the wife, unauthorized by the husband, even a word or a look, from a stranger, if the husband was suspicious, or attributes it to improper motives, was followed by instant and deadly revenge.
There is a man now residing in Huahine, whose face and shoulders are frightfully marked with deep scars, inflicted by blows with a carpenter's axe, on this account. A husband and a wife were once sitting together when another man joined the party, and sat down with them. He wore a taupoo or bonnet of platted cocoa-nut leaves; lifting his hand, and taking hold of it by the part that shaded his brows, he waved his hand towards the inland part of the district, in removing his bonnet from his head. The suspicious husband, observing the motion of his hand, considered it as ah assignation, that the stranger was to meet his wife there; and without a word, I believe, being spoken by either party, he rose up, took down his spear, which was suspended from the inside of his dwell* ing, and ran the man through the body, accusing him at the same time of the crime of which he supposed him guilty. Several of the murders of the Europeans, that have been committed in the islands of the Pacific, have originated in this cause.
Theft was practised, but less frequently among themselves than towards their foreign visitors. They supposed itequally criminal, yet they do not in general appear to have attached any moral delinquency to the practice, but they imagined they were more likely to avoid detection when stealing from strangers, than when robbing their own countrymen. Stealing was always considered as a crime
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371
among them, and every precaution was taken to guard against it. On this account, their large bales of valuable cloth, and most articles of property not in constant use, were kept suspended from the. ridge-pole or rafters of their dwellings; their smaller rolls of cloth were often laid by their pillows; and their pigs were driven under their beds at night, to prevent their being stolen.
This nefarious practice, strange as it may appear, was supported by their false system of religion, and sanctioned by the patronage of the gods, especially by Hiro a son of Oro, who was called the god of thieves. The aid of this god was invoked by those who went on expeditions of plunder, and the priests probably received a portion of the spoils. Chiefs of considerable rank have sometimes been detected in the act of stealing, or have been known to employ their domestics to thieve, receiving the articles stolen, and afterwards sheltering the plunderers. This, however, has generally been practised on the property of foreigners.
Among themselves, if detected, the thief experienced no mercy, but was often murdered on the spot. If detected afterwards, he was sometimes dreadfully wounded or killed. Two very affecting instances of vengeance of this kind are recorded by the early Missionaries. I have also heard that they sometimes bound the thief hand and foot, and, putting him into an old rotten canoe, towed, him out to Bea, and there left him adrift, to sink in the ocean, or become a prey to the sharks.
The haru raa, or seizing all the property of delinquents, was the most frequent retaliation, among the lower class, for this and other crimes. The servants of the chiefs, or injured party, went to the house of the offenders, and took by force whatever they found, carrying
372 POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
away every article worth possessing, and destroying the rest. If the inhabitants of the house received previous intimation of their purpose, they generally removed or secreted their most valuable property, but seldom attempted to resist the seizure, eVeh'though every article of food and clothing, and the mats on which they slept, should be taken away.
ThlB mode of retaliation for theft, or other injury, was so generally recognized as just, that, although the party thus plundered might be more powerful than those who plundered them, they would not attempt to prevent tiie seizure: had they done so, the population of the district would have assisted those, who, according to established custom, were thus punishing the aggressors. Such was the usual method resorted to for punishing the petty thefts committed among themselves. They were generally satisfied with seizing whatever they could find in the houses, yards, or gardens of the offenders; but when it was practised by order of the king or chiefs, the culprit was banished from his house or lands, and reduced to a state of complete destitution.
Great difficulty was often experienced in discovering the thief, or the property stolen 5 and, on these occasions, they frequently resorted to divination, and employed the sorcerer to discover the offender. The thief, when detected, generally received summary punishment. Mr. Bourne states, that in one of the Harvey Islands, a man found a little boy, about eight years of age, stealing food; the man instantly seized the juvenile delinquent, and, tying a heavy stone to his leg, threw him into the sea. The boy sunk to the bottom, and would soon have paid for his crime with his life, had not one of the native teachers, who saw him thrown into the water,
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 373
plunged after him, rescued him, and taken him to his own house, where he has ever since resided.
The resources of the goTernment consisted in the personal services of the people, and the produce of the soil. From these the revenue was derived. All public works, such as the erection of national temples, fortifications, enclosures from the sea, dwellings for the king, &c. were performed by the whole of the population. In each district, the king had a viceroy, or deputy, to whom his orders were sent with a cocoa-nut leaf. The chiefs sometimes assembled together, and divided the work among themselves. At other times, the king appointed each to his particular share. Every chief then issued his orders to the raatiras under his authority, who prepared the materials, and performed their appointed portion of the work. Canoes for the king's use were furnished in the same way, and also cloth for himself and his household.
Every district brought provisions at stated intervals for the king's use, or for the maintenance of his numerous retinue. Besides what they regularly furnished, orders were often issued for extraordinary supplies, for the entertainment of a distinguished guest, or the celebration of a national festival. No regular system of taxation prevailed, but every kind of property was furnished by the chiefs and people in great abundance, not only for the king, but for the purpose of enriching those who were the objects of his favour.
However abundant the supplies might be which the king received, he was in general more necessitous than many of the chiefs. Applications for food, cloth, canoes, and every other valuable article which he received from the people, were so frequent and importunate, that more
374 POLYNESIAN RJBSBACRHKS.
than was barely sufficient for his own use seldom remained long in his possession. A present of food was usually accompanied with several hundred yards of native cloth, and a number of fine large double canoes; yet every article was often distributed among the chiefs and favourites on the very day it arrived; and so urgent were the applicants, that they did not wait till the articles were brought, but often extorted from the king a promise that he would give them the first bale of cloth, or double canoe, he might receive. At times they went beyond this; and when a chief, who considered the king under obligations to him, knew that the inhabitants of a district were preparing a present for their sovereign, which would include any articles he wished to possess, he would go to the king, and tapao, mark or bespeak it, even before it was finished. A promise given under these circumstances was usually regarded as binding, though it often involved the king in the greatest difficulties, and kept him necessitous.
In the estimation of the people, one of the greatest virtues and highest excellencies of a king, was generosity; and one of the most unpopular dispositions he could cherish, was illiberality. In describing a good chief, or governor, they always spoke of him as one who distributed among his chiefs whatever he received, and never refused any thing for which they asked.
Notwithstanding this generosity on the part of the king, the conduct of the government was often most rapacious and unjust. The stated and regular supplies furnished by the inhabitants, were often inadequate to the maintenance of the numbers, who, attaching themselves to the king's household, passed their time in idleness, and were fed at his table. Whenever there was
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 375
a deficiency of food for his ordinary followers, or a large party that had arrived as his guests, a number of his servants went out to the settlements of the raatiras, or farmers, and, sometimes without even asking, tied up the pigs that were fed near the dwelling, and plundered the abode, ravaging, like a band of lawless robbers, the plantations or the gardens, and taking away every article of food the poor, oppressed people possessed. Sometimes they launched a fine canoe that might be lying near, and, loading it with their plunder, left the industrious proprietor destitute even of the means of subsistence; and, as they were the king's servants, he durst not complain.
When the king travelled, he was usually attended by a company of Areois, or a worthless train of idlers; and often when they entered a district that was perhaps well supplied with provisions for its inhabitants, if they remained any length of time, by their plundering and wanton destruction, it was often reduced to a state of desolation. Sometimes the king sent his servants to take what they wanted from the fields or gardens of the people; but often, unauthorized by him, they used his name to commit the most lawless and injurious depredations upon the property of the inhabitants; whose lives were endangered, if they offered the least resistance.
3fahamene, a native of Raiatea, gave, at a public meeting in that island, the following account of their lawless plunder. " These teuteu," (servants of the king,) said he, "would enter a house, and commit the greatest depredations. The master of the house would sit as a poor captive, and look on, without daring to say a word.— They would seize his bundle of cloth, kill his largest pigs, pluck the best bread-fruit, take the largest taro,
376 POLYNESIAN RKSKARCHJBS.
(arum roots,) the finest sugar-cane, the ripest bananas, and even take the posts of his house for fuel to cook them with. Is there not a man present who actually buried his new canoe under the sand, to secure it from these desperate men ?"
Nothing fostered tyranny and oppression in the rulers, and reduced the population to a state of wretchedness, so much as these unjust proceedings. Those who, by habits of industry, or desire of comfort for themselves and families, might be induced to cultivate more land than others, were, from this very circumstance, marked out for despoliation. They had no redress for these wrongs, and therefore, rather than expose themselves to the mortifying humiliation of seeing their fields plundered, and the fruits of their labour taken to feed a useless and insulting band that followed the movements of the king, they allowed their lands to remain untitled. They pre* ferred to procure a scanty means of subsistence from day to day, rather than to be subjected to the insults to which even their industry exposed them.
So far were these shameless extortions practised, that during the journey of an European through the country, he has been attended by a servant of the king, and when, in return for .provisions furnished, or acts of kindness shewn, by the hospitable inhabitants, he has made them even a trifling present, it has been instantly seised by the vassal of the chief, who has followed him for that purpose. The poor people were also allowed to dispose of their produce to the captains or merchants that might visit them for the purpose of barter, but the king or chief frequently requested the greater part, or even the whole, of what they might receive in return for it.
That they should have improved in industry, or ad-
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377
vanced in civilization, under such a system, was impossible, and that they should, under such circumstanoes, have tilled a sufficient quantity of ground to furnish supplies for the shipping, is a matter of greater surprise, than that they should not have cultivated more. The humiliating degradation to which it reduced the farmers, and the constant irritation of feelings to which this wretched system exposed them, were not the only evils that resulted from it. It naturally led the raatiras to regard their chiefs as enemies, and generated disaffection to their administration, while it led the former to consider the latter as inimical to their own interests. It also greatly diminished their resources, for under the discouragements resulting from constant liability to plunder, the people were unable to furnish those supplies, which they would otherwise have found it a satisfaction to render.
This system of civil polity, disjointed and ill-adapted as it was to answer any valuable purpose, was closely interwoven with their sanguinary system of idolatry, and sanctioned by the authority of the gods. The king was not only raised to the head of this government, but he was considered as a sort of vicegerent to those super* natural powers presiding over the invisible world. Human sacrifices were offered at his inauguration 5 and whenever any one, under the influence of the loss he had sustained by plunder, or other injury, spoke disrespectfully of his person and administration, not only was his life in danger, but human victims must be offered, to cleanse the land from the pollution it was supposed to have contracted.
The intimate connexion between the government and their idolatry, occasioned the dissolution of the one, with the abolition of the other; and when the system of pagan ii. 3 c
378 POLYNESIAN RB8BARCHBS.
worship was subverted, many of their ancient usages perished in its ruins. They remained for some years without any system or form of government, excepting the will of the king, to whom the inhabitants usually furnished liberal supplies of all that was necessary for the maintenance of his household, and the accomplishment of his designs.
The raatiras exercised the supreme authority in the divisions over which the king had placed them. But when circumstances occurred, in which, under idolatry, they would have acted according to their ancient custom, they felt embarrassed. Many of the people, free in a great degree from exposure to seizure, and the more dreadful apprehension of being offered to the gods, evinced a disinclination to render the king the supplies and support he needed.
The sacrificing of human victims to the idols had been one of the most powerful engines in the hands of the government, the requisition for them being always made by the ruler, to whom the priests applied when the gods required them. The king, therefore, sent his herald to the petty chieftain, who selected the victims. An individual who had shewn any marked disaffection towards the government, or incurred the displeasure of the king and chiefs, was usually chosen. The people knew this; and therefore rendered the most unhesitating obedience. Since the subversion of idolatry, this motive has ceased to operate; and many, free from the restraint it had imposed, seemed to refuse almost all lawful obedience and rightful support.
Their government continued in this unsettled state for four or five years; during which, the people brought provisions and supplies to the king, and furnished the
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. &J9
accustomed articles for his establishment, either according to arrangements made among themselves, or in obedience to his requisitions. The superior and subordinate rulers over the people, endeavoured to preserve the peace of society, and promote the public welfare, by-punishing offenders according to the nature of their crimes, but without any regular or uniform procedure. The only punishment inflicted was banishment, and, in a few instances, seizure for theft. It was, however, evident that another system must be introduced, instead of that which, with the tabu idolatry, had been abolished.
It is a fact worthy of note, that although no people in the world could be more vicious than they were prior to their renunciation of paganism, yet such was the moral influence of the precepts of Christianity on the community at large, and consequently on the conduct of many who were Christians only by profession, that for some time crimes affecting the peace of society were but few. Theft, to which ever since their discovery they have been proverbially addicted, was rarely committed. It was not, however, to be expected that this state of things would be permanent; and after a few years, the force of example, and the restraining influence of the preceptive parts of christian truth, began to diminish on the minds of those over whom it had exerted no decisive power, and who, in their altered behaviour, had rather followed popular sentiment and practice, than acted from principles in their own minds. When therefore this class of persons began to act more according to their true character, the chiefs found it necessary to visit their delinquency with punishment 5 and the welfare of the nation required that measures should be adopted for maintaining the order and peace of the community.
380 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
Having as a nation embraced Christianity, they were unanimous in desiring that their civil and judicial proceedings should be in perfect accordance with the spirit and principles of the christian religion. Hence they were led to seek the advice of their teachers, as to the means they should adopt for accomplishing this object. The Missionaries invariably told them that it was no part of their original design to attempt any change in their political and civil institutions, as such; that these matters belonged to the chiefs and governors of the people, and not to the teachers of the religion of Jesus Christ. To this they generally replied, that under the former idolatrous system they should have been prepared to act in any emergency, but they were not familiar with the principles of Christianity in their application to the ordinary relations of life, especially in reference to the punishment of crime.
In compliance with these solicitations, the Missionaries illustrated the general principles of Scripture, that in all the public stations they sustained, they were to do unto others as they would that others should do unto them — that with regard to government, Christianity taught its disciples to fear God, and honour the king— that the power which existed was appointed of God—and that magistrates were for a terror to evil-doors, and a praise to them that do well. These general principles were presented and enforced as the grounds of proceeding in all affairs of a civil or political nature.
The Missionaries, though frequently appealed to, generally left the determination of the matter to their own discretion, declining to identify themselves with either party, in any of their differences. They promised, however, to the chiefs such assistance as they could render in the pre-
POLYNESIAN RBB&ARCHKS.
381
paration of their code of laws, and constitution of govern* ment, but were exceedingly anxious that it should be the production of the king and chiefs, and not of themselves. They had hitherto avoided interfering with the government and politics of the people, and had never given even their advice, excepting when solicited by the chiefs. When the conduct of petty chiefs or others had affected their own servants, or persons in their employment, if they have taken any steps, it has been as members of the community, and not as ministers of religion.
After the introduction of Christianity, the chiefs were among the first to perceive that the sanguinary modes of punishment to which they had been accustomed were incompatible with the spirit and precepts of the gospel, and earnestly desired to substitute measures that should harmonize with the new order of things. The king applied for assistance in this matter, soon after the general change that took place in 1815. The Missionaries advised him to call a general council of the chiefs, and consult with them on the plans most suitable to be adopted.— Whether his recollection of the unpropitious termination of former councils influenced him, or whether he was unwilling to delegate any of that power to others with which heretofore he had been solely invested, is uncertain ; but he objected to the assembling of the chiefs at that time, still requesting advice and counsel from the Missionaries. This they readily afforded, both as to the general principles of the British constitution, the declarations of Scripture, and the practice of Christian nations. Their own sentiments in reference to their duty at this time, will best appear from the following extract of a public letter, bearing date July 2, 1817-—
"During many years of our residence in these islands,
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POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHB8.
we most carefully avoided meddling with their civil and political affairs, except in a few instances, where we endeavoured to promote peace between contending parties. At present, however, it appears almost impossible for us, in every respect, to follow the same line of conduct. We have told the king and chiefs, that, being strangers, and having come to their country as teachers of the word of the true God, and the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, we will have nothing further to do with their civil concerns, than to give them good advice; and with that view several letters have passed between us and the king. We have advised him to call a general meeting of all the principal chiefs, and, with their assistance and approbation, adopt such laws and regulations as would tend to the good of the community, and the stability of his government ; and that in these things, if he desired it, we would give him the best advice in our power, and inform him of what is contained in the word of God, and also of the laws and customs of our own country, and other civilized nations."
The first code of laws was that enacted in Tahiti in the year 1819; it was prepared by the king and a few of the chiefs, with the advice and direction of the Missionaries, especially Mr. Nott, whose prudence and caution cannot be too highly spoken of, and by whom it was almost framed. The code was remarkably simple and brief, including only eighteen articles. It was not altogether such as the Missionaries would have wished the nation to adopt, but it was perhaps better suited to the partial light the people at that time possessed, and to the peculiar disposition of Pomare. He was exceedingly jealous of his rights and prerogatives, and unwilling that the chiefs should assume the least control over his pro-
POLYNESIAN RSSBARCHES.
383
ceedings, or participate in his power. His will still continued to be law, in all matters not included in their code; and with regard to the revenue which the people were required to furnish for his use, he would admit of no rule but his own necessities, and consequently continued to levy exactions, as his ambition or commercial engagements might require.
The Missionaries would have regarded with higher satisfaction an improvement in the principles recognized as the basis of the relation subsisting between the king, chiefs, and people, some division of the power of government—enactments proportioning the produce of the soil to be furnished for the king, and securing the remainder to the cultivators. But having recommended these points to the consideration of the rulers, they did not think it their duty to express any disatisfaction with the code, imperfect as it was.
In the month of May, 1819, the king, and several thousands of the people from Tahiti and Eimeo, assembled at Papaoa, for the purpose of attending the opening of the Royal Missionary Chapel, and the promulgation of the new laws. The anniversary of the Tahitian Missionary Society being held at the same time, the Missionaries from the several stations, in these two islands, were then at Papaoa.
The thirteenth day of the month was appointed for this solemn national transaction; and the spacious chapel which the king had recently erected was chosen as the edifice in which this important event should take place. It was thought no desecration of a building reared for public devotion, and solemnly appropriated to the worship of the Almighty, and other purposes directly connected with the promotion of his praise, that the grave
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POLYNKSIAN RESEARCHES.
and serious engagements by which the nation agreed to regulate their social intercourse, should be ratified in a spot where they were led to expect a more than ordinary participation of the Divine benediction. During the forenoon, the chiefs and people of Tahiti and Eimeo assembled in the Royal Chapel, and about the middle of the day the king and his attendants entered. The Missionaries were also present; but, regarding it as a civil engagement, attended only as spectators. The king, however, requested Mr. Crook to solicit the Divine blessing on the object of the meeting. He therefore read a suitable portion of the sacred volume, and implored the sanction of the King of kings upon the proceedings that were to follow. Nothing could be more appropriate than thus acknowledging the Power by whom kings reign, and seeking His blessing upon those engagements by which their public conduct was to be regulated. The Divine benediction having been thus sought, the king, who had previously taken his station in the central pulpit, arose, and, after viewing for a few moments the thousands of his subjects that were gathered round him, commenced the interesting proceedings of the day, by addressing Tati, the brother and successor of the late Upufara, who was the leader of the idolatrous and rebel army defeated in November, 1815. "Tati," said the king, "what is your desire? what can I do for you?" Tati, who sat nearly opposite the pulpit, arose and said, "Those are what we want—the papers you hold in your hand—the laws; give them to us, that we may have them in our hands, that we may regard them, and do what is right." The king then addressed himself to Utami, the good chief of Teoropaa, and in an affectionate manner said, "Utami, and what is your desire?" He replied,
POLYNESIAN RBUAACBMS. 38&
* One thing only is desired by us all, that which Tati has expressed—4he laws, which you hold in your hand*" The king then addressed Arahu, the chief of Eimeo, and Veve, the chief of Taiarabu, nearly in the same manner, and they replied as the others had done* Pomare then proceeded to read and comment upon the laws respecting murder, theft, trespass, stolen property, lost property, sabbath-breaking, rebellion, marriage, adultery, the judges, court-houses, etc., in eighteen articles. Alter reading and explaining the several particulars, he asked the chiefs if they approved of them! They replied, aloud, " We agree to them—we heartily agree to them." The king then addressed the people, and desired them, if they approved of the laws, to signify the same by holding up their right hands. This was unanimously done, with a remarkable rushing noise, owing to the thousands of arms being lifted at once. When Pomare came to the law on rebellion, stirring up war, &c. he seemed inclined to pass it over, but after a while proceeded. At the conclusion of that article, Tati was not content with signifying his approbation in the usual way only, but, standing up, he called in a spirited manner to all his people to lift up their hands again, even both hands, he setting the example, which was universally followed. Thus all the articles were passed and approved.
The public business of the day was closed by Mr. Henry's offering a prayer unto Him by whom kings reign, and princes decree judgment, and the people retired to their respective dwellings.
Pomare subsequently intimated his intention of ap^
propriating Palmerston's Island as a place of banishment
for Tahitian convicts, and proposed to the Missionaries
to publish his request that no vessel should remove any
ii. 3d
386
PQLYNBSJUN RXUARCHS8.
who might be thus exiled. The law* which the king read to the people were writtem by himself,, and farmed, probably* the first written eode that ever existed in the islands j and he afterwards wrote out, ia a fair, legible, and excellent hand, a copy for the press. Printed copies Weee distributed among the people, hut the original manqscr^pt, in the king's hand-writing, signed by him* self, ie in the possession of the London Missionary Society. The laws were printed on a. large afreet of paper, and not only sent to every chief and magistrate throngbout botb islands, but posted up in most, oi the public places.
The sentence to be passed, on. individuals who, should be found guilty of many of the crimes prohibited by these laws, was left to the discretion of the judge Of magistrate; but to several, the penalty of death was annexed; and only a few months after their enactment, the sentence of capital punishment was passed on two individuals, whose names were Papain* and Horopoe* They were inhabitants of the district of Atehuru* and were executed on the twenty-fifth of October, 181% lev attempting to overturn the government. Papaaia. bad been a distinguished warrior, and was in the very prime of Hfe. He was a man of a bold and daring character* and of turbulent, conduct. He came several timea to my house, during our residence at Eimeo; and ajjfeough, in consequence of his restless and violent behaviour, I was not prepossessed in his. favour, my personal acquaintance made me feel additional interest in the melancboJLy fate of the first malefactor on whom the dreadful sentence of the law was inflictedt The lives.of these unhappy men were not taken by thrusting a spear through the body, or beating out the brains with a club, or by decapitatiQnj
•
POLYNBStAir Rtt*SAIkClIBS% 887
Which was the former mode of piuiishment, but they were hanged on a cocoa-nut tree, in a conspicuous part of the district.
In the year 1881, a conspiracy was formed to assafesi* nate the king, and two men, who were proceeding to the accomplishment of their murderous purpose, We?* apprehended with others concerned In the plot. The names of the two leaders Were Pori and Marlri. Sentence of death was passed upon them, and they were hanged on a rude gallows, formed by fastening a pole hotiaontslty between two cocoa-nut trees. TTiese are the only e*e* cations that have taken place in the islands* It is not probable that many will be thus punished. The Missionaries interceded on behalf of the culprits, and secured a mitigation of punishment for the rest of the offenders. Tlie judicial proceedings in the different districts of Tahiti, were divested, as much as possible, of all formality, and though borne trifling irregularities, and slight embar* rassments, as might be expected, were occasionally experienced, among a people totally unaccustomed to act In these matters according to any prescribed form, yet) upon the whole, the administration of justice by the native magistrates, was such as to give general iatisfac tiofl* The following account, by an eye-witness* of their proceedings on one of these occasions, will not be uninteresting.
"At the time appointed, a great many people, of both sexes and all ages, assembled under some very tee trees, near the queen's house. A small bench wa* brought for the two judges; the rest either stood or sat upon the ground, forming something less than a semicircle. We were provided with low seats near the • Capt. G. C. Gunbier, R.N.
w
386 POLTNJCSIAN BBSBARCHJBS.
judges. The two prisoners were tested cross-legged upon the ground, under the shade of a small tree, about twenty paces in front of the judges. They were both ill-looking men, dressed in the graceful tiputa. When all was ready to begin, one of the judges rose, and addressed the prisoners at considerable length, and with a good deal of action—not violent, but firm and gentle motions of the arms. He explained to them the accusation which brought them there, and read to them the law under which, if proved guilty, they would be punished* When he had finished, and called upon them to say whether it was true or not, one of them got up, and answered with great fluency, and good action. He maintained their innocence, and called a witness to confirm it. The witness, very artfully, turned his evidence to the account of the prisoners. Others also, in some way or other, favoured the accused, and the defendants were therefore discharged, from want of evidence." . On the 12th May, 1820, a code of laws was unanimously and publicly adopted in Raiatea, and recognized as the basis of public justice by the chiefs and people of Tahaa, Borabora, and Maupiti. The substance of the Raiatean laws was copied from those enacted by the government of Tahiti during the preceding year. They extended to twenty-five articles, embodying several most valuable enactments omitted by the Tahitian code. The most important of these was the institution of Trial by Jury. This was certainly the greatest civil blessing the inhabitants of the Pacific had yet received, and future generations will cherish with gratitude the memory of the Missionaries of Raiatea, at whose recommendation, and with whose advice, it was established by law in these islands.
POLYNESIAN RVSBARCBJBS.
380
Naturally violent and merciless under a sense of injury, we often found them too severe towards ofiFenders 5 and while we occasionally interceded on behalf of those whose punishment appeared greater than their crime, we lost no opportunity of conveying just and humane, as well as scriptural ideas on matters of jurisprudence, without, however, interfering with their proceedings, or countenancing the misdeeds of those we might recommend to mercy.
The new laws had now been nearly three years established in Tahiti and Eimeo. Those of Raiatea, Tahaa, and Barabora, had also been for more than twelve months in operation among the inhabitants of these islands*-— The chiefs of Huahine had virtually made the latter the basis of their administration of justice, but though acting upon them, no code had yet been officially promulgated.
They had already applied to us for assistance in preparing the laws for the island under their dominion.— This we had cheerfully rendered to the best of our ability, at the same time recommending them still to defer their public enactments until they had deliberately observed the effect of those already in force among the inhabitants of the adjacent islands. It was also proper to obtain the sanction of the queen's sister, then residing at Tahiti, who is nominally the sovereign of Huahine, the government of the island having been formerly presented to her by Mahine, the resident and hereditary chieftain. This grant, which transpired several years before any of the parties embraced Christianity, has often occasioned inconvenience. The internal government of the island has always been maintained by the resident chiefs, but in all matters materially affecting the people,
990 POIVNBS1AN BatEAJK'mSi
or their relation to the governments of other islands, it has been considered necessary, a* a matter of etiquette* or courtesy at least, to consult Teriitaria; and hence it was thought desirable to submit the laws to her inspee* tion, and receive her sanction. Though affecting only the resident chiefs and people, and maintained entirely by the authority of the former, they were to be promak gated in her name, as well as that of Alanine, and the other chiefs of the island. The introduction of new law* being a matter of importance to the nation, it was deemed suitable that a deputation from the chiefs should proceed to Tahiti by the first favourable opportunity, for the purpose of receiving the queen's approval. It was also do* sirable that Mr. Barff, or myself, should accompany this embassage, that we might make inquiries of Mr* Nott* and others, relative to the adaptation of the laws in force there, to the circumstances of the people, and might alter* if necessary, those prepared for Huahifie.
KM.YMBS1AK RBWlARCMS* 301
CHAP. XIV.
Foaiare's proposed restrictions on baiter, rejected by the chiefs of the Eeewej* Islandsj—lfoyage to Elmee—Departure for Tahiti—Danger *M»«fos*ht^rmltftod«r/*P
ftay»ta~]ttom* Hfljsr-interviQw miU» the. Ung-~-Revision, of the laws—Approval of the qaeen^Arrival of the Hope from England—Influence of letters, &c—Return to Eimeo—Embarkation for the Leeward Islands—A night at sea—Appearance of the heavens--Astronomy of the nativee—Names-of the stan^Biwisiannanri rniaps»B*i«fcof tuMyto.
Eaeey in Ig&l, the- brig which had been purchased m New South Wales for Pbmare, arrived m Tahiti. See* after this, the king seat a messenger to. the Leeward Islands, with a bundle of mou*, or emblems of' royal authority, and a proposal: to the chiefs, thai they should beeome joint* proprietors of the vessel, and furnish a required quantity of native produce, via. pigs, arrowroot, and cocoa-nut oil, towards the payment of the Macquarie; The herald left his message' and bundle of niaus at Huahine* in the name of Teriiteria, and passed on to Aaiatea. In a. day or two afterwards we learned1 that instructions had been sent down to the chiefs, not to dispose of any of the above-mentioned articles, nor to allow the people to barter them to any ship, or even to tile Missionaries, but to reserve them all fbr the cargo of his vessel. We represented to the chiefs the injustice of not allowing every man, provided
992
POLYNESIAN RBSBAftCHSS.
he paid their just demands, to dispose of the fruits of his own industry, and they assured us that it should be so at Huahine, whatever restrictions might be imposed upon the people of Tahiti. The queen's sister, the nominal ruler of the island, residing at Tahiti, was influenced, they observed, by the advice and measures of Pomare, and often perplexed them by her directions.
On the fourteenth of April, 1821, Pomare's messenger returned from Raiatea. Tamatoa, the king of that island, and the chiefs of those adjacent, had refused to receive the niaus, or to join Pomare in his projected commercial speculations. They had at the same time agreed to unite, and procure a vessel for themselves, in which to trade from the islands to the colony of New South Wales, and had sent up a special messenger, with a letter to the chiefs of Huahine, requesting them to join their enterprise. A public meeting was convened, in which the propositions from Pomare on the one hand, and of Tamatoa on the other, were freely discussed. The result was, that although all were far more disposed to join the Raiatean than the Tahitian chiefs, they declined both for the present, and despatched the respective messengers to their superiors, with declarations to this effect.
The wind, which had set in from the westward on the fourteenth, continued during the whole of the fifteenth, and, as it seemed tolerably steady, it was proposed that our boat should be prepared for the voyage to Tahiti. It was also thought best that I should accompany Auna and Matapuupuu on their embassy to the queen's sister. During the evening I waited on the chiefs, and took my leave; the native chieftains did the same; and their final instructions were, to induce, if possible, Teriitaria to come and reside at Huahine; but that if she preferred
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
993
remaining at Tahiti, she should give ttp all interference With the government of the iskLnd,- And delegate it to them, independently of all foreign control.
The Wind- continuing to Mow from the westward through the night, our barit was launched early on the morning of the sixteenth, and we prepared for embarkation. The boat was rather rude in appearance, being one I had from necessity built, With the assistance of the natives, while visiting in the island of Raiatea, in the early part of 1830. It was about thirty-six feet in length, and capable of carrying forty persons. The breeze increased in strength as the morning began to daWn, and abort; dtiy-break We sailed from Fare harbour. Auna> Matatore, and Matapuupuu were my companions, and our boat was manned by about ten strong and active natives. As we were bounding over the waves of the harbour, and entering upon the wide-spread bosom of the Pacific, we lost the sprit of one of our matting-sheets in the sea, and could only carry one sail. This circumstance, although it prevented our proceeding so rapidly as we should otherwise have done, contributed perhaps to our safety, for Hie Wind Was high and the sea rough. By noon We had entirely lost sight of Huahine, and About sunset we obtained our first distant glance1 of the lofty peaks of Eimeo. The wind now blew what the natives called a strong toeraii, or westerly gale, and the agitation of the sea was proportiohably increased. The ittside of Our open boat Was, however, perfectly dry, and it appeared to shoot aioflg; as* the' native's ixprfessed it, upon the tops of the waves, until at length we* heard) amid the stillness of the night, the Wekortie sound of the long heavy surf, rolling in' solemn grandeur, and dash* frig in- load, tfcdtigfr distent roaf, u£0tt the coral reefs, ti. 3 e
«r/
394 POLYNESIAN RESEARCH 148.
This, though adapted to inspire apprehension and terror in the minds of those unaccustomed to navigate among the islands, was a gladdening sound to us, as it indicated an approach to our port of destination. .We were several miles distant when we first heard the roaring of the surf upon the reef, but, proceeding rapidly along, we soon came in sight of it. Sailing along in a line parallel with it till we came to an opening, we entered Taloo or Opunohu harbour, and landed near the Missionary settlement shortly after midnight, having sailed a distance of about one hundred miles in the space of twenty hours.
The natives seldom evince much concern about their accommodations, when voyaging or travelling among the islands. Frequently, when landing for the night, they kindle a fire on the sea-beach, and having cooked their bread-fruit, or other provision, which they usually carry with them, they lie down, either in the boat, or on the sand by its side, and, spreading the sails as a tent, or wrapping themselves in them, substitute them for bed and bedding, and sleep comfortably till the morning. Most of those, however, who were my fellow-voyagers on this occasion, had formerly resided at this settlement, and had lived on terms of friendship with many of the inhabitants. To the dwellings of these they repaired, while I pursued my way up the valley to the residence of my friend Mr. Piatt, whom I awoke from his midnight repose, and, after receiving from him a kind welcome and some refreshment, I retired to rest till sunrise.
During the forenoon of the 18th, our men went to the mountains, and cut down a new sprit for our sail, and prepared for the prosecution of the voyage. The favour-
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
395
able breeze had, however, been succeeded by a perfect calm; and the rays of the sun were exceedingly oppressive. As it appeared probable that the men would have to row the whole of the way, we agreed to defer our departure till the evening. This afforded me an opportunity of attending public worship with the native Christians of the settlement, and addressing the congregation assembled.
Hie sun was approaching the western horizon, when we took leave of our friends, and embarked, to prosecute the remainder of our voyage. We sailed across the beautiful bay, which for its size has justly been deno- ; minated one of the finest in the world, and passing along within the reefs to Maharepa, we again launched our boat, about eight o'clock in the evening.
The excitement of watching, and fatigue of the preceding part of our voyage, having induced a considerable degree of exhaustion of strength and spirits, we had not advanced far upon the open sea, before I became oppressed with a sensation of drowsiness, which I could not remove. During my voyages among the islands, I have passed many nights at sea with the natives in an open boat, and generally found them watchful and alert' during the early hours of night, but wearied and sleepy towards morning; and whenever I have felt rest necessary for myself, have usually taken it before midnight, that I might be more vigilant when my companions should become drowsy. This was my purpose in the present instance. The wind had indeed ceased, but the surface of the sea was agitated with a quick and cross motion; the current was against us; and it was uncertain how soon in the morning we should reach Matavai, our port of destination in the island of Tahiti. I therefore
396 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
gave Matapuuguu charge of the helm, which I had hitherto kept durjng the whole of the vpyage, and, direct* ing him to awalfe me in about an hour's time, I wrapped myself in my cloak, lay down upqn the seat in the stem of the boat, and, notwithstanding the motion of the sea, and the rattling and shaking occasioned by the movements of the oars, soon, fell into, a sound sleep.
The refreshing and beneficial effects of my repose were, however, entirely neutralised by the sensations I experienced at its close, I cannot describe my emotions when I awoke, and found it was broad day-light j and, en turning to the helm, saw Matapuupuu fast asleep, with his hands still on the tiller; and then, looking Isrward along the boat, on beholding every individual motionless; the rowers leaning ewer their oars, the others stretched along the bottom of the boat, and every one in the most profound sleep. Before I attempted to awake any one, I iuvoluntarily looked for the island we had left. It was still in sight. I then looked on die opposite side, for that to which we were going. It was also in sight, but the lofty mountains rising at the head of Mttavai were far to the north, and indicated that the port to wJiich we. were bound was many miles behind us* In fact, we appeared to be about midway between Tahiti and Eyneo, drifting to the southward, far away from both, as fsst as tfcfe current could bear ua.
Fully sensible of our critical situation, if tfea breeae, which, just began, to ripple the.surface of the water, should increase, I instantly awoke my companions* and asked them how they came aU. to fall asleep together. TJjey looked confused, on beholding the broad light of day beaming upon them, and replied that each had imperceptibly fallen under the influence of sleep, without
POLYNESIAN RtfSBASCIHiS. WJ
knowing that any other was under tlic dominion of the same sensation. Recollecting that I had in the first instance set them the example, J could not much censure their conduct. X therefore directed their attention to the mountains in the vicinity of Matavai and Papeete, on WUks' Harbour, far in our rears sad as Burder's Point was the nearest part of the coast, urged them to apply with vigour to their oars, that we might reach it before the wind became so strong as to arrest our progress.
The men, refreshed by their slumbers, which had been created by the undulating motion of the boat on the water, and having broken a few cocoa-nuts, and drank the milk, cheerfully grasped their oars, and pulled steadily towards the shore. After about five hours' hard rowing, we reached the beach, and were cordially welcomed by our friends, Messrs. Darling and Bourne, resident Missionaries at Burder's Point. In the afternoon, several of tb* natives, who had accompanied me to Tahiti, set Qut for Papara, in order to visit their friends, who had accompanied Mr. Davies from Huahine to that station during the preceding year.
I spent this and the following day at Burder's Point, The respect and. affection manifested by the people towards their teachers wa* gratifying, and the general improvement in the habits of the people, and the appearance of thft settlement* highly encouraging., Newly planted gardens and enclosures appeared in every direction; several, good houses were finished 3 a number siso were plastered and thatched 5 and others, though only k* frame, and presenting the, appearance of mere skeleton* of buildings, indicated a state of pleasing and progressiva improvement. The public burying-ground, situated 00 the border; of the settlement, was kept remarkably neat.
398
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
The outline of the grave was defended by a curb, or border, of large fragments of coral planted in the ground, while the grave itself was covered with small pieces of white coral and shells, brought from the adjacent shore. The school was a good building; and the chapel, erected near the ruins of the ancient marae, which I visited during my stay, was one of the most compact I had seen in the Georgian or Society Islands. The walls were framed and boarded; the roof thatched with/oro, or palm-leaves. The floor was boarded, the pulpit and appendages remarkably neat, and the whole area of the chapel filled with seats. It was also fitted up with a gallery, the first ever erected in the South Sea Islands $ the gallery, and other parts of the interior, which had been finished under the direction and by the assistance of Mr. Darling, were neater, and more European in appearance, than any I had hitherto beheld.
The advancement in civilization had not been so striking or rapid at this station as at some others; the effects of its progress were, however, such as to afford great encouragement, and to warrant the anticipation of its ultimately extending throughout the entire population of a district that had felt the ravages of war, and the demoralization of paganism, as much as any in the South Sea Islands.
About ten in the morning of the 21st, we took leave of our friends at Burder's Point, and, after rowing about four hours between the reefs and the shore, reached Papeete, or Wilks' harbour, where the queen and her sister were residing. On landing, the deputation from the Huahinean chiefs repaired to the abode of Teriitaria, and Matapuupuu delivered their message. She replied, "that she was anxious to remove to Huahine, and would return
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
399
with them, if Pomare would allow her to leave Tahiti; but said she would see them again, and, before they returned, deliver her final reply."
On the brow of a hill, forming the commencement of a range extending from the vicinity of the shore to the lofty interior mountains, Mr. Crook formerly, at this station, had erected his abode. Having waited on the queen, and other members of the royal family residing with her, I walked up the hill, which Mr. Crook had designated Mount Hope, and was happy to find himself and his family well. The situation he had selected for his abode, though inconvenient on account of its distance from the settlement, and the fatigue induced by the ascent, has nevertheless peculiar advantages j the air is remarkably pure, the temperature generally cooler than on the adjacent lowlands, and the prospect most delightful and extensive.
With his agreeable family I passed the remainder of this day, and the following, which was the Sabbath. The congregation at the public religious services consisted of about five hundred hearers, who were in general attentive; the singing was good, and the voices of the men better than I ever heard elsewhere. The female voices are generally clear and distinct, and they sing well in most of the stations, but the voices of the men are seldom mellow or sonorous.
About ten o'clock on the following day I took leave of the friends at Mount Hope, and, accompanied by the chiefs from Huahine, preceeded to Matavai, where Pomare resided. It was near noon when we arrived, and soon after landing, the messengers waited upon the king, told him they had been Bent by the chiefs of Huahine, to request Teriitaria to return and reside there, and expressed
400
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHER.
their conviction that he would approve of the same. He replied—** Ua tia ia is oti ra May e tai ai. It is agreed, but let May be over, and then go;9* alluding to the annual meetings held in the month of May.
I took up my abode with Mr. Nott, and spent the whole of the week in revising, with him and one or two of the chiefs from Huahine, the laws which had been prepared lor that island. In this revision we endeavoured to cor-* rect What was defective in those already published in Tahiti and Raiaeta. This employment occupied a number of hours every day. It was a matter of importance: I was anxious that their laws should be framed with the utmost care, and felt desirous that we should avail ourselves of Mr. Nottfs familiar acquaintance with tile character of the people, and hie observation on the effect of the laws on the inhabitant* of TahM and Eimeo. I wished afso to consult with Mr. Davies, but he was too far off. Mr. Nbft stated, that the greatest? defects he had observed, arose from the-powervested in the hands of the magistrate to punish according to his own discretion those Who were found convicted. In consequence of this, the same crime was fbllbwed by different punishments, in different parts, or by different magistrates. In order to remedy this, the punishment to be inflicted was annexed to the prohibition of the offence. The lawsj it was hoped, would by these means be less uncertain in their influence than they had been.
Another subject of importance watt the revenue of the government, and'the means of support for the' king and chiefs. On this subject, Pomare had refused to make any regulations, preferring to demand1 supplies from the people as his necessities might require, rather than receive any regular proportion of the produce at the soil. Prhfete
POLYNESIAN RBSEARClMtS.
401
property, therefore, was still insecure, and the industrious cultivator of the land was not sure of reaping the fruits of his labour. This was remarkably manifest at the present time, when the king of Tahiti, in his anxiety to pay for the vessel that had been purchased in his name, after making repeated applications to the chiefs for large numbers of pigs, prohibited every individual from selling to a captain or other person any commodity he might have for barter, but required them to bring all to him, in return for which he sometimes gave them articles of the most trifling value. To remedy this defect, several laws were added to those prepared for the people of Huahine, and a certain tax, somewhat resembling a poll-tax, proposed, by which it was fixed what proportion of the produce of the island each individual should furnish for the use of the king, and also of the chief of the district in which he resided. The remainder was to be inviolably his own, for use or disposal. The treatment of offenders between their apprehension and trial, was also* regulated. These Were the principal additions made to the Huahine code.
The trial by jury had been incorporated in the laws of Raiatea. The alterations were approved of by the chiefs who had come from Huahine, and were by them shewn to Teriitaria, who signified her entire satisfaction in their being adopted as the laws of Huahine. At the same time she informed the chiefs, that after the approaching meetings, she intended to remove to Huahine, but did not wish tiiem on that account to defer the public enactment ofthelaws, whenever it should appear desirable. -
The most important object of our visit being now accomplished, we returned to Papeete, intending to proceed to Eimeo. About noon on the 28th, we embarked in our boat, hoisted our sails, and were on the point of u. 3f
402
POLYNESIAN BKSJIAftCBfi*,
leaving the shore, when a messenger arrived with intellii fence that a vessel was approaching Matavai, bo that instead of putting out to sea, our course was instantly directed thither. A hrig of considerable size was advancing towards the harbour* We hailed her approach with joyful hopes that she would bring us
——-----" New* of human kind,
Of friends and kindred, whom, perhaps, the held As visitors, that she might be the link Connecting the fond fancy of far friendship."
Meeting the vessel at the entrance of the bay, we found it was the Hope, of London, having Mr. and Mrs. Hayward from England, and Mr. and Mrs. Wilson from New South Wales, on board. As the vessel was under full sail, we could only greet their arrival by signal,'and follow them to the harbour. They had, however, scarcely anchored, when we found ourselves alongside, and, ascending the deck, were happy to exchange our mutual congratulations. A number of cattle, some belonging to the passengers, others sent as presents by Mr. Birnie to the chiefs, having suffered much during the voyage, were speedily landed. After this, we accompanied our friends to the shore, elated with the anticipated pleasure of intelligence from home* In this respect we were not disappointed. A few letters which were at hand we received on board, and the rest as soon as the boxes containing them were opened/ We broke the seals, skimmed the contents, and glanced at the signature* with no. common feelings, reserving a more careful perusal for a season of greater leisure.
No opportunity equally favourable for receiving inteU ligence from England, had occurred since our arrival. Mr. Hayward had proceeded from the islands to Eng-
FOLTWS8IAN RftSSAftCHSS.
408
land; he had met our friends and relatives there, and had been enabled to satisfy them in a variety of points, of which, though of confessedly minor importance, they were anxious to be informed. He had left them, and returned direct to us; and the simple fact that we were conversing with one who had traversed scenes long familiar and vividly present to our recollections, and one who had mingled in the society of those dearest on earth to us, appeared to shorten the distance by which we were separated, and to remove the most formidable barriers to intercourse. We had a thousand questions to ask, and the evening was fur too short for the answers of half of our inquiries, or the perusal of our letters.
Mingled and intense are the emotions with which a lonely sojourner in a distant and uncivilized part of the world, receives a packet from his native land. This is especially the case when the symbol of mourning appears on the exterior of any of his letters. The unfolded sheet is sometimes put aside, as the eye, in its first glance over the lines, has been arrested by a sentence conveying tidings of the departure of some dear and valued relative or friend.
Notwithstanding the painful sensations occasioned by the knowledge of the fact, that some dear object of the heart's attachment or esteem has been for months consigned to the cheerless grave; epistles from those we have left in our native land, produce emotions more powerful, and satisfaction more elevated, than any other circumstance besides. Letters sent home by those in distant climes, may convey all that undiminished affection prompts, but they awaken no recollections connected with the locality, the companions, and the circumstances of those by whom they are written. The
404
POLYNESIAN RB9KARCHBS.
scenes and society by which the writers are surrounded, are foreign; and next to the feeling of curiosity, the greatest interest they excite, arises from the connexion with those for whose welfare every concern is felt. -Very different are the effects of a letter from home, to one in a distant land, Every circumstance connected with it awakens emotionj even the name of the place whence it is dated, recalls a thousand associations of by* gone dayB. We seem to hear again the familiar voice, and involuntarily feel as if we had mingled once more with the circle which friendship and attachment had often drawn round the domestic* hearth; and while perusing letters from home, we have felt the force of the poet's exclamation, ' HowfleetisaglaiMWofthomfarf!
Next to the enjoyment of the Divine favour, letters from friends are among the sources of sweetest solace, and most cheering encouragement, to the sojourner in a foreign land. They excite a train of feeling which must be experienced, to be understood. They cheer the spirits often fainting under the effects of an insalubrious clime, the silent .prostration of debilitating sickness, or the opposition and the trials of situation, lliey convey to4 his mind the. gratifying Conviction that he is not forgotten by those in whose enjoyments and pursuits he once participated.
This consideration not only revives his spirit; but imparts a fresh impetus to his movements, and adds new energy to all his efforts. Letters from those abroad are gratifying to friends at home; and if so, to those who participate the joys of sincere, enlightened, and glowing friendship, and who are encircled by a thousand sources of enjoyment, how much more welcome must* they be to the distant, and often lonely absentee, who,
P0LYNB8IAN &BSBAKCBB8.
405
though surrounded by multitudes of human beings, ia yet doomed to perfect solitude, in respect to all mutual and reciprocal interchange of sympathy in thought and feeling.
Sure I am, that did the friends of those who have gone to distant, tarbarous, and often inhospitable .lands* know the alleviation of trials, and the satisfaction of mind, their epistles are adapted to produce, they would not be content with simply answering the letters they may receive, but would avail themselves of every opportunity, thus to exchange their sympathies, and impart their joys, to those who are cut off from the many sources of comfort accessible to them*
Did the friends of the exile abroad also know the pain* ful reflections to which a diaappoinment, in reference fo expected intelligence, gives birth, they would endeavour to spare them that distress. In his lonely, distant, and arduous labours, a Missionary requires every' solace, assistance, and support that his friends can impart. The communications he seceives from his patrons are valuable, but they are frequently too much like letters of business, or treat only of general subjects; His communications from his relatives and friends are of a much mow touching and interesting character. These, though they deeply affect, do not engross his soul; he feels connected with, and interested in, the general advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the gigantic energies of those institutions of Christian benevolence and enterprise, which, under God, are changing the world's moral aspect. The reports, esc. of these institutions should be1 sent, and, in addition to these, a regular correspondence should be kept up with the Auxiliary Missionary Societies with which he may have been connected—the Sabbath-schools
!
405
FOLYNSSIAK RBSSAECHSS,
in which he may, perhaps, have been a teacher—bat especially the Christian church of which he may have been *. member. It should not be confined to a bare reply to letters, but should be regular and constant.
Sometimes we hare been six, nine, or twelve months on the island of Huahine, and daring that, or a longer period, have seen no individual, except our own two families, and the natives. At length, the shout, E Paki, e Pahi> " A ship, a ship/' has been heard from some of the lofty mountains around our dwelling. The inhabitants on the shore have caught the spirit-stirring sound, and "A ship, a ship," has been echoed, by stentorian or juvenile voices, from one end of the valley to the other. Numbers flock to the projecting rocks, or the high promontories, others climb the cocoa-nut tree, to obtain a glance of the desired object. On looking out, over the wide-spread ocean, to behold the distant sail, our first attempt has been to discover how many masts she carried j and then, what colours she displayed; and it is Impossible to describe the sensations excited on such occasions, when the red British banner has waved in the breeze, as a tall vessel, under all her swelling canvass, has moved towards our isolated abode.
We have seldom remained on shore until a vessel has entered the harbour, but have launched our boat, manned with native rowers, and, proceeding to meet the ship, have generally found ourselves alongside, or on deck, before she has reached the anchorage. At the customary salutations, if we have learned that the vessel was direct' from England, and, as was frequently the case, from London, our hopes have been proportionably raised 5 yet we have scarcely ventured to ask the captain if he has brought us any tidings, lest his reply in the negative'
POLYNSSIAN RJMBABCHJS.
407
should dispel the anticipations his arrival had awakened. If he has continued silent, we hare inquired whether he had brought out any supplies j if he has answered No, a pause has ensued; after which, we have inquired whether he had any letters; and if to this, the same reply has been returned, our disappointment was as distressing as our former hopes had been exhilarating. We have remarked, that probably our friends in England did not know of his departure. This has been, we believe, the ordinary cause why so many ships have arrived in the islands from England, without bringing us any intelligence, except what we could gather from two or three odd newspapers that have been lying about the cabin. Though it has been some alleviation to believe, that had our friends known of the conveyance, they would have written; yet the relief thus afforded is but trifling, compared with the pain resulting from the absence of more satisfactory communications. Notwithstanding the length of time we had often been without seeing an individual who spoke our native language, excepting in our own families, we would, in general, rather the vessel had not at that time arrived, than that such arrival should have brought us no intelligence.
No disappointment, however, was experienced on the present occasion. The Hope had brought out a valuable supply of such articles as we needed; and Mr. and Mrs. Hayward, in addition to the letters of which they were the bearers, afforded us much satisfaction by the accounts they gave of those of our friends whom they had seen. The communications from England required the united consideration of the Missionaries; and this, with the distribution of the supplies, detained us a week longer in Matavai,
I
406 POLTNB9IAN RBSBARCHBS.
On the fourth of May, we took our leare. Heavy rains detained us at Papeete until nearly dark, but the weather clearing soon after sunset, we again launched out twat, and, being favoured with a fidr wind, arrived in fiimeo before midnight. We were anxious to reach Huahine by the Sabbath, the following being the week in which the Missionary anniversary occurred. Early the next morning, which was Saturday, we arose, and prepared to depart i but the wind being westerly, was contrary, and prevented us. About six in the morning, however, it changed to the north and eastward, and continuing to blow steadily in that direction for an hour or two* we sailed from Eimeo about eight o'clock.
The sea was agitated, and the swell continuing from the westward, after the breeze from that quarter had subsided, was against us. The wind, though favourable, was but Hght, and our progress consequently slow. Our little bark containing the portion of supplies from the Hope, for the Missionaries in the Leeward Islands, was heavily laden. These amounting' to several tons, besides the number of natives on board, not only kept the boat steady, but brought it considerably lower in the water than I had ever seen it before. About mid-day we lost sight of Eimeo. Continuing our course in a north-westerly direction, soon after sun-set, while the radiance of the departed luminary invested the horizon with splendour, we had the high satisfaction to behold tile broken summits of what we considered Hie Huahi-nean mountains, shewn in beautiful though indistinct contrast with the brightness of the heavens and the sea. The duration of twilight in the tropics is always short; and the rich sunset scene, which the peculiarity of our situation had rendered striking and imposing, was soon
POLYNESIAN RXSBARCHXS.
40£
followed by the darkness of night, which in much less than an hour veiled the surrounding objects. The glance, however, which we had obtained of the mountain* of Huahine, was serviceable and cheering; it convinced us that the current had not swept us aside from our course, and it enabled us to Ax satisfactorily the direction in which to steer until morning. Although ou* rest had been but broken and short during the preceding night, our present situation repressed any desire for repose.
Nothing can exceed the solemn stillness of a night at sea within the tropics, when the wind is light, and the water comparatively smooth. Few periods and situa-tionsy amid the diversity of circumstances in human fife, are equally adapted to excite contemplation, or to imparl more elevated conceptions of the Divine Befag, and more just impressions of the insignificancy and dependence of man. In order to avoid the vertical rays of a tropical sun, and the painful etieets of the reflection from the water, many of my voyage* among the islands of the Georgian and Society groups have been made deving the night. At these periods I have often been involuntarily brought under the influence of a tram of thought and feeling peculiar to the season and the situation, but never more powerfully so than on the present occasion.
The night was moonless, but not dark. The stars increased in number and variety as the evening advanced, until the whole firmament was overspread with Inminaries of every magnitude audi brilaumey. The agitation of the sea-had subsided, and the waters around us appeared to unite with the indistinct though visible horizon. In the heaven and the ocean, all powers of vision were lost, while the hriUhmt lights in the one ii. 3g
410 POLYNESIAN RSSJfcARCHBS.
being reflected from the surface of the other, gave a correspondence to the appearance of both, and almost forced the illusion on the mind, that our little bark was suspended in the centre of two united hemispheres.
The perfect quietude that surrounded us was equally impressive* No objects were visible but the lamps of heaven, and the phosphoric fires of the deep. The silence was only broken by the murmurs of the breeze passing through our matting sails, or the dashing of the spray from the bows of our boat, excepting at times, when we heard, or fancied we heard, the blowing of a shoal of porpoises, or the more alarming sounds of a spouting whale.
At a season such as this, when I have reflected on our actual situation, so far removed, in the event of any casualty, from human observation and from human aid, and preserved from certain death only by a few feet of thin board, which my own unskilful hands had nailed together; a sense of the wakeful care of the Almighty has alone afforded composure; and when I have gated on the magnificent and boundless assemblage of suns and worlds, whose rays have shed their lustre over the scene, and have remembered that they were formed, sustained, and controlled, in all their complex and mighty move* ments, by Him on whose care I could alone rely, I have almost involuntarily uttered the exclamation of the psalmist, " Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him!"
The contemplation of the heavenly bodies, although they exhibit the wisdom and majesty of God, who "bring-eth out their host by number, and calleth them all by names, by the greatness of his might," and by whom ako the very hairs of the head are all numbered, impressed at
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
411
the same time the conviction that I was far from home, and those scenes which in memory were associated with starlight nights in my native land.
Many of the stars which I had beheld in England were visible here: the constellations of the zodiac, the splendours of Orion, and the mild twinkling of the Pleiades, were seen; bat the northern pole-star, the steady beacon of juvenile astronomical observation, the Great-bear, and much that was peculiar to a northern sky, were wanting. The effect of mental associations, connected with the appearance of the heavens, is singular and impressive. During a voyage which I subsequently made to the Sandwich Islands, many a pleasant hour was spent in watching the rising of those luminaries of heaven which we had been accustomed to behold in our native land, but which for many years had been invisible.— When the polar-star rose above the horizon, and Ursa-major, with other familiar constellations, appeared, we hailed them as long absent friends; and could not but feel that we were nearer England than when we left Tahiti, simply from beholding the stars that had enlivened our evening excursions at home.
But although, in our present voyage, none of these appeared, and the southern hemisphere is perhaps less brilliant than that of the north, it exhibited much to attract attention. The stars in the Fish, the Ship, and the Centaur, the nebulas or magellanic clouds, and, above all others, Crux, or the "Cross of the South," are all peculiar to this part of the heavens. This latter constellation is one of the most remarkable in the southern hemisphere. The two stars forming the longest part, having nearly the same right ascension, it appears erect when in the zenith, and thus furnishes a nightly index to the flight of time,
412
FOJ.YNKSIAN RB6BARCHBS.
and a memento to the most sublime feelings of grateful devotion.
With my fellow-voyagers I could enter into nothing like reciprocally interesting conversation on these subjects. Their legends of the nature and origin of the stars were most absurd and fabulous; and my attempts to explain the magnitude, distances, or movements of Ae heavenly bodies, appeared to them unintelligible*-*
Their "souls proud science never taught to stray Far as the solar walk or milky-way."
The natives of the islands were, however, accustomed in some degree to notice the appearance and position of the stars, especially at sea. These were their only guides in steering their fragile barks across the deep. When setting out on a voyage, some particular star or constellation was selected as their guide in the night. TWs they called their aveia, and they now designate the compass by the same name, because it answers the same purpose. The Pleiades were a favourite aveia with their sailors, and by them, in the present voyage, we steered during the night. We had, indeed, a lantern and a compass in the boat, but being a light ship's compass, it was of little service*
Although the Polynesians were destitute of all correct knowledge of the sciences, the first principles of which have been recently taught in the academy more regularly than they had heretofore been, they had what might be called a rude system of astronomy. They possessed more than one method of computing timei and their extensive use of numbers is quite astonishing, when we consider that their computations were purely efforts of mind, unassisted by books or figures.
P0J.TMB9IAN ai»BAECHE8. 413
TTwar ideas, as might naturally be expected, were febulous and erroneous in the extreme. They imagined that the sea which surrounded their islands was a level plane, and that at the visible horizon, or some distance beyond it, tbe sky, or rw, joined the ocean, enclosing as with an arch, or hollow cone, the islands in the immediate vicinity. They were acquainted with other islands, as Nuuhiva, or die Marquesas, Vaihi, or the Sandwich Islands, Tongatabu, or the Friendly Islands* The names of these recurred in their traditions or songs. Subset quently, too, they had heard of Beritani, or Britain, Paniola, or Spain, &c« but they imagined that each of these had a distinct atmosphere, and was enclosed in the same manner as they thought the heavens surrounded their own, islands. Hence they spoke of foreigners as those who came from behind the sky, or from the other side of what they considered the sky of their part of the world.
What their opinions were, as to the material of the heaven to which they gave such definite boundaries, I could never learn; but, according to their mythology, there were a series of celestial strata, or too, ten in number, each stratum being the abode of spirits or gods, whose elevation was regulated by their rank or powers j the tenth, or last heaven, which was perfect darkness, being called a term haamama of tane, and being the abode of the first class only.
We often experienced a degree of confusion in our ideas connected with their use of the term po, night or darkness, and its various compounds. They usually, but not invariably, spoke of the region of night as i rora, or below. In this instance, in describing the highest heaven as the region of purest light, they spoke of it also
^
414
POLYNBSIAN RBSBAECHB9.
as the po. After describing the nine heavens, or stratum of clouds or light, inhabited by the different orders of inferior deities, they describe the tenth, or most remote from the earth, and the abode of the principal gods, as. te rai haamama no tane, &c. te opening or unfolding to the po9 or perpetual darkness. From this mode of representation, it appears that the islanders imagined the universe to be chaotic, and that in its vast immensity their islands and ocean, with the sky arching over them, were enclosed, and that below the foundation of the earth, on which they stood, and above the firmament over their heads, this po, or darkness, prevailed.
With respect to the origin of the sun, which they formerly called ra, and more recently mahana, some of their traditions state that it was the offspring of the gods, and waa itself an animated being; others, that it was made by Taaroa. The latter supposed it to be a substance resembling fire. The people imagined that k sank every evening into the sea, and passed during the night, by some submarine passage, from west to east, where it rose again from the sea in the morning. In some of the islands, the expression for the setting of the sun, is, the falling of the sun into the sea. On one occasion, when some of the natives were asked where the sun went to, they said, Into the sea. On being asked, further, what prevented its extinction, they said they did not know* It was then inquired, " How do you know that it falls into the sea at all? Did you ever see it?" They said, No, but some people of Borabora, or ManpHi, the most western islands, had once heard the hissing occasioned by its plunging into the ocean.
One of the most singular of their traditions, respecting the sun, deserves attention, from the slight analogy it
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHES,
415
bears to a fact recorded in Jewish history. It is related that Maui, one of their ancient priests or chiefs, was building a marae, or temple, which it was necessary to* finish before the close of the day; but, perceiving the sun was declining, and that it was likely to sink before the work was finished, he seized the sun by his rays, bound them with a cord to the marae, or an adjacent tree, and then prosecuted his work till the marae was completed, the sun remaining stationary during the whole period.. I refrain from all comment on this singular tradition; which was almost universally received in the islands.
Their ideas of the moon, which they called avae or marama, were as fabulous as those they entertained of the sun. Some supposed the moon was the wife of the sun; others that it was a beautiful country in which the aoa grew. I am not aware that they rendered divine homage either to the sun or moon. Theirs was a far less rational and innocent system than the worship of the host of heaven. They, however, supposed the moon to be subject to the influence of the spiritual beings with whom their mythology taught them to people the visible creation; and to the anger of those spirits, they were accustomed to attribute an eclipse. During an eclipse, the moon is said to be natuay bitten or pinched.
The stars, which they call fetia or fetu, were by some considered as the children of the sun and moon. They are, however, generally supposed to be inhabited by spirits of the departed, or to be the spirits of human beings, several principal stars being designated by the names of distinguished men. The phenomenon called % shooting star, they supposed to be the flight of a spirit. Many of the constellations, and more of the single stars, have distinct names. Mars they call fetia ura9 red star.
416
POLTNBSIAN RESEARCHES.
The morning star they call fitia ao, star of day; or keropoipoi, forerunner of morning. The Pleiades they call nuUariij small eyes. Bat one of the most remarkable facts Is, that the constellation called the Twins is so named by them; only, instead of denominating the two stars Castor and Pollux, they call them na ainanu, the two axnanus j and to distinguish the one from the other, ainanu above, and amino below. The nebulae near the southern pole, called the Magellanic clouds, are denominated fmthu, mist or vapour, and are distinguished ia die same way, one being above, the other below*
Like most uninformed persons, they supposed the earth was stationary, being borne on the shoulders of a god, fixed upon a rock, which they called the rook of foundation supported by pillars, and that the sun, moon, and stars, moved from one side of the arched heavens to the other. When we at first endeavoured to impart to them more correct ideas of astronomy, and exhibited to their view a terrestrial globe, explanatory of the shape of oar earth, and illustrative of those of die moony of the planets, and other heavenly bodies, they were greatly surprised; but when we called their attention to a celestial globe, and represented to them the relative position of the heavenly bodies, and explained the motion at the planets of our system round the suny they were invariably sceptical at first. It could not possibly bey they said, that the earth went round, as all things remained stationary during the twenty-four hours ? which would not be the fact, if the earth on which they stood moved. Frequently they have said, if such was the fact, we should fall ftom our beds, and all our vessels of 1000% &c. would be upset. Finding, however, that we persevered in the expression of our sentiments to the contrary, they would
FOLYNKSIAN RSSBAJLCHBS. 417
sometimes remark—we believe it because you say so, but we cannot understand it. These observations were made only when the subject was first brought under their notice. The. intelligent among them now entertain far more consistent views.
Among the Harvey Islands, they worshipped a god of thunder; but he does not.appear to have been an object of great terror to any of. them. The thunder was supposed, to be produced by the clapping of his wings. The ignis fatuus, they considered as one of their most powerful gods, proceeding, in his tutelary visitations, from one marae to another.
The winds were presumed to be under the direction and control of the deities;, by whom they were sup-* posed to be kept in a cave, as by Eolus among the ancient pagans. Some contended that there was but one rua, hole or cavern, of the winds; others, that there were two, one in the east, the other towards the west, the two quarters whence the winds usually blew. Although they had but one, or at most two caverns, whence they supposed the winds to proceed, they had a distinct name for each wind, designating sometimes both, its degree of strength, and its direction. The north wind they called Haapiti; the south, Maraamu; the east, Maoai; the west, Jberau. The east, with its variations from northeast to south-east, being the regular.trade-wind, is most prevalent, and is seldom unpleasantly violent. Winds from the north are often tempestuous, more so .than from, the south, whence, although during the season of variable winds they are. strong, and continue several days, they are not dangerous. The wind seldom prevails from the west, among the Society Islands, excepting in the months of December, January, and February. At this ii. 3h
418
POLYNESIAN RBSBAaCHBS.
period they are sometimes violent, usually of short duration, and almost invariably accompanied with rain and heavy unsettled weather.
Though unacquainted with the compass, the islanders have names for the cardinal points. The north they call Apatoa; the south, Apatoerau; the east, Te hitia o te ra, the rising of the sun j and the west, the Tooa o te ra, the falling or sinking of the sun. Tne climate is warm to an European: the thermometer ranges between 70 and 80, the average height in the shade is 74 degrees.
Their genealogies and chronological traditions do not appear to have been so correctly preserved as those of the Hawaiians, one or two of which I have, that appear, at least for nearly thirty generations, tolerably correfct, though they go back one hundred generations. TTiey were, however, as correct in their methods of computing time as their northern neighbours, if not more so. One mode of reckoning time was by ui's, or generations; but the most general calculation was by the year, which they call matahiti, and which consisted of twelve or thirteen lunar months, by the tau or matarii, season or half-year, by the month of thirty days, and by the day or night. They had distinct names for each month; and though they all agreed about the length of the year, they were not unanimous as to the beginning of it, or the names of the months, each island having a computation peculiar to itself.
The following is a statement of their divisions of time, copied from a small book on arithmetic, &c. prepared by Mr. Davies, which I printed at Huahine in 1819. It is the method of computation adopted by the late Pomare and the reigning family.
PQLYNB&lAJf RSSAAACHBS.
411*
t. Faaafcu
|
S. Pipifl • |
. |
|
4. Taaoa . |
. |
|
5. Aununu |
|
|
6. Apaapa. |
. |
|
7. Pnroromi |
|
|
8. Faroromuri |
|
|
0. Muriaha |
. |
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10. Hiaia . |
. |
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11. Tema . |
• |
|
IS. Ta-eii . |
• |
|
11. Te-tai . |
|
Hie new noon that appears abort the summer
solstice of Tahiti, aad generally answers to too
last ten day* of December, or the beginning of
January.
. January, and part of February—The season of
plenty. . February, and part of March. . March, and part of April—The season of scarcity. . April, and part of May. May, and a part of June. Jane, aad a part of Jury. July, and a pen of August. ; August, and a part of September . September, and part of October. . October, and part of November—The season of
scarcity. . The whole, or a part of, November—The uia, or
young bread-fruit, begins to flower. . The whole, or a part of, December—The urn, or bread-fruit, nearly ripe. Tfcek calculations, however, were net very exact Tfcfrteea moose exceed the duration of the solar year. Baft, in cedar to adapt the same moons to the same seasons as they successively occur, the moon generally answering to March, or the one occurring about July, is omitted; and in some years, only twelve moons are enumerated.
Another computation commenced the year at the month Apaapa, about the middle of May, and gave different names to several of the months. They divided the year into two seasons, of the Matarii, or Pleiades. The first they called Mrtam i trio, Pleiades above. It commenced when, in the evening, these stars appeared on or near the horizon; and the half year, during which, immediately after sunset, they were seen above the horizon, was called Matarii i nia. The other season commenced when, at sunset, the stars were invisible, and costumed until at that hour they appeared again above the horizon, This season was called Matarii i raro, Pleiades below.
420 FOMTNBSIAN R&SRAftOBBS.
The islanders had three seasons besides these. The first they called Tetau, autumn, or season of plenty, the harvest of bread-fruit. It commenced with the month Tetae, December, and continued till Faahu. This is not only the harvest, but the summer of the South Sea Islands. It is also the season of most frequent rain. The next is Te tau miti rahi, the season of high sea. This commences with Tieri, November, and continues until January. The third is the longest, and is called the Te tau Poai, the winter, or season of drought and scarcity. It generally commences in Paroromua, July, and continues till Tema, October.
The natives have distinct names for each day and each night of the month or moon. They do not, however, reckon time by days, but by nights. Hence, instead of saying, How many days since? they would inquire, Bui Ma aenei? "How many nights?" The following are the different nights of each moon.
|
The Nights |
OP THE MOOH. |
||
|
1. OhirohJti. |
16. Oturu-tea. |
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2. Hoata. |
17. Raau-mua. |
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2. Hami-ami-mua. |
18. Raau-roto. |
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4. Hami-ami-roto. |
19. Raau-muri. |
||
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6. Hami-ami-more*. |
80. Ore-ore-mua. |
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6. Ore-ore-mua. |
21. Ore-ore-roto. |
||
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7. Ore-ore-muri. |
22. Ore-ore-murL |
||
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8. Tamatea. |
22. Taaroa-mua. |
||
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9. Ohuna. |
24. Taaroa-roto. |
||
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10. Oari. |
25. Taaroa-muri. |
||
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11. Omaharu. |
26. O-Tane. |
||
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12. Ohua. |
27. O-Roomie. |
||
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IS. Omaidiu |
28. O-RoomaorL |
||
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14. Ohodu. |
29. O-mutu. |
||
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15. Omarae.—-Td-marainaati, |
or the |
SO. O-Terieo.—This is the night or |
|
|
moon with a round and full face. |
day the moon dies, or is changed. |
||
POLYNESIAN SSBABCHBS.
til
The seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth nights, or nights immediately succeeding the full moon, were considered as seasons when spirits wander more than at any ether time; they were also favourable to the depredations of thieves. They do not appear to have divided their months into weeks, or to have had any division between months and days. Totally ignorant of clocks or watches, they could not divide the day into hours. They, however, marked the progress of the day with sufficient exactness, by noticing the position of the sun in the firmament, the appearance of the atmosphere, and the ebbing and flowing of the tide.
Midnight they called the Tui ra po.
One or two in the morning—Mara ao.
Cock-crowing, or about three o'clock in the morning—Aaoa te moa; aaoa being an intimation of the crowing of a cock.
The dawn of day—Tatahita*
Morning twilight—Marao rao.
When the flies begin to stir—Ferao rao.
When a man's face can be known—Itea te mata taata*
The first appearance of the upper part of the sun—Te hatea rao te ra.
Sunrise, or morning—Poi poi.
The son above the horizon—Otto tana la ra.
The son a little higher, sending his rays on the land—Matiti titi to ra. -
About seven o'clock—Tohe pu te ra.
Eight o'clock—Pere tia te ra.
About nine—Ua paare to ra.
Ten or eleven—Ua medoa te ra.
Noon-day, or the son on the meridian—A vatea. . One or two in the afternoon—Taupe te ra.
About three in the afternoon—Tape-tape te ra.
Nearly fonr—Tahataha te ra.
About fire—Hia-hia te ra,
Between fire and six—Ua maru mara te ra.
Son-setting, Ahi, ahi—Evening—Mairi—Te ra, Falling of the son.
The beginning of darkness—Arehurebu.
422 POLYNMAM RttBARCHSS.
• Night, or the light qnito gone*-Fa. When the tea begins to low towarae the lead—Panem to toi. About eleven at night—Tia ma to rui.
In order to facilitate their commercial transaction*, and their intercourse with civilized nations, the English names for the months, and the days of the week, have been introduced. They have alao been instructed in our methods of calculating the leap-years, &c.
The English method of mensuration has been introduced, and; with regard to short distances, they begin to understand it. The word hehedomo, assimilating easily with the peculiar vowel terminations of their words, and being distinct from any word in use among them, has been introduced to signify a week. It is not, however, so frequently employed by the people, as the word Sabbath. If a native wished to say he had been absent on a voyage or journey six weeks, he would gene* rally say six Sabbaths, or one moon and two Sabbaths.
Considering their uncivilized state, and want of letters, their method of computing time is matter of astonishment, and shews that they must have existed as at nation for many generations, to have rendered it so perfect. It is also an additional proof that they are not deficient in mental capacity.
Their acquaintance with, and extensive use of numbers, under these circumstances, ia still more surprising. They did not reckon by forties, after the manner of the Sandwich Islanders, but had a decimal method of calculation. These numerals were,
Atahi, one. Aono, aix.
Arua, two. AUto, men.
Atom, three. Awn, eight
Amaha, four. Alva, nine.
Arima, five. Ahum, ton.
POLYNESIAN RBSKARCHBS.
433
Eleven would be Ahum niatahi, ten and one; and so on to twenty, which was simply Etna ahuru, two tens j twenty-one, two tens and one; and proceeding in this way till ten tens, or one hundred, which they called a Bate. The same method was repeated for every successive ran, or hundred, till ten had been enumerated, and these they called one Mono, or thousand. They continued in the same way to enumerate the units, ahurus or tens, raus or hundreds, and manos or thousands, until they had counted ten manos, or thousands $ this they called a Munotin&y or ten thousand. Continuing the same process, they counted ten manotinis, which they called a Rehu, or one hundred thousand. Advancing still farther, they counted ten rehue, which they called an Jfc, which was ten hundred thousand, or one million*
They had no higher number than the in, or million ? they could, however, by means of the above terms or combinations, enumerate, with facility, tens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands of millions.
The precision, regularity, and extent of their numbers has often astonished me; and how a people, having, comparatively speaking, but little necessity to use calculation and being destitute of a knowledge of figures, should have originated and matured such a system, is still wonderful, and appears, more than any other fact, to favour the opinion that these islands were peopled from a country whose inhabitants were highly civilized.
Many of their numerals are precisely the same as those used by the people of several of the Asiatic islands, and also in the remote and populous island of Madagascar. Occasionally the Islanders double the
424 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
number, by simply counting two instead of one. This is frequently practised in counting fish, bread-fruit, or cocoa-nuts, and is called double counting, by which all the above terms signify twice as large a number as is now affixed to them.
' In counting, they usually employ a piece of the stalk of the cocoa-nut leaf, putting one aside for every ten, and gathering them up, and putting a longer one aside, for every ran, or hundred. The natives of most of the islands, adults and children, appear remarkably fond of figures and calculations, and receive the elements of arithmetic with great facility, and seeming delight*
Hiey estimate the distance of places by the length of time it takes to travel or sail, from one to the other. Thus, if we wished to give them an idea of the distance from the islands to England, we should say it was five months; and they would say the distance from Tahiti to Huahine was a night and a day, and from Huahine to Raiatea, from sunrise to nearly noon, &c.
But it is now high time to return from this apparently long digression, which, though somewhat diffuse, has an immediate, bearing on the arithmetical calculations, the astronomical knowledge, and the nautical acquirements of these islanders, and bring our voyage to its termination.
The wind being light but fair through the night, and the sea pleasantly smooth, we.kept on our course till the light of morning began to appear, and when the day broke had the satisfaction of beholding the island of Huahine at no.very great distance, and.immediately before us. We approached on the eastern side, but the wind being unfavourable for sailing to the settlement, we stood towards the shore. When we found ourselves within
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS,
425
half ft mile of the reef, we lowered our sails, and manning the oars, rowed round the northern point of the island* By eight o'clock on the 5th of May, we entered Fare harbour, and on our landing had the happiness to find our families and friends well. It was the Sabbath, and we repaired with gratitude to the house of God, to render our acknowledgments for preservation.
ii.
3i
426
POUTNWSIAW RES£AJU?HB&.
CHAP. XV.
Promulgation of the new code of laws In Huahine— Uteral translation of the laws on Murder—Theft—Trespass—Stolen property—Lost property —Barter—Sabbath-breaking—Rebellion—Bigamy^ficc.—Dirorce,ficc.— Marriage—False accusation-Drunkenness—Dogs-Pigs—Conspiracy— Confessions—Revenue for the king and chiefs—Tatauing—Voyaging— Judges and magistrates—Regulations for judges, and trial by jury-Messengers or peace-oftcers—Manner of conducting public trials— Character of the Huahine code—Reasons for dissuading from capital punishments—Omission of oaths—Remarks on the different enactments —Subsequent amendments and enactments relatrre to the fisheries— Land-marks—Land rendered freehold property—First Tahithut parliament—Regulations relating to seamen deserting their vessels—Publicity of trials—Beneficial effects of the laws.
The laws and regulations which had received the sanction of Teriiteria at Tahiti, were approved hy the chiefs of Huahine, at a public national assembly held in the month of May, 1822. Mamae, a leading raatira, requesting that the laws might be enacted, his request was acceded to, and, after some slight modifications, were promulgated in Huahine, and Sir Charles Sander's island, under the authority of the queen, governors, and chiefs. They were subsequently printed, and circulated in every part of the islands.
In a letter which Mr. Barff transmitted with a printed copy, speaking of the laws, he remarks, "You will find them, in every material point, the same as when you left the islands : I insert a literal translation of this code, not because it was the last promulgated, nor that I consider
POLYNESIAN RB»SARCHW. 437
h superior in every respect to those by Wnich it was pre-ceded, but because it. was adopted by the people with whom I was most intimately connected, and received a greater degree of the attention of ray colleague and my-self, than any of the other*. It might, perhaps, have been abridged, or a mere enumeration of the laws might have furnished all the information that is interesting, yet the first code of laws adopted, written, and printed among a people, who, bnt a few years hefote, were ignorfent heathen, lawless savages, is a document so important in the history of the people, as to justify its entire insertion. The title is E Ture na Huahine: " A Law,* or Code of Laws, for Headline, earned to grow in the government or reign of Teriitetia, Hautia, and Mahme, subordinate (rulers)" and the Imprint is—" Huahine, printed at the Mission press, 1823."
The following is the Introduction immediately after the names of the queen and two principal chiefs-**
"From the favour of God, we ho»e our government* Peace to you (People) of JSfcwAtoe."
LITERAL TRANSLATION OF THE LAWS OF HUAHINB* AND SIR CHARLES SANDER'S ISLAND.
1. CcmoEtnnw MpiDBft. If parents marts* their infante, e* ebiMren nabern, tf aettfcs ptMM bat the relatives, if not tkem, a stranger, or any person wh+ffceJl watetboty eommit tma4etf shall be punished—ehetf be transported te> a d&taat lend, tninhaMfcd by men--ench (a land) ae ?afaferstoe's Island. The* sandf (snch evtotfnahr) be left vntH tbey die, and afcaU never be b*o*gh* bev*. n. CewoBBimio Tumi, If ane* steal one pig, Ami- shall be bring asa reoottpenee, fcraneewne* of the pig- twe», far the king two. If he hate bo pigs, two single eanaea,
* There i* no word in their language for law. The Hebrew word has been introduced, as according with the genias and idiom of Tahftiaa better than any other.
428
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
for the owner of the pig one, for the king one. If (he have) no canoes bales or bundles of native cloth, two of them, if the tusks of the pig were growing up out of its mouth.* Each bale shall contain one hundred fathoms (900 yards) of cloth, four yards wide. If a half-grown pig, fire fathoms. If a small pig, twenty fathoms in the bale. For the owner of the pig one half; and for the king the other. If he have no cloth, arrowroot If the pig stolen was a large one, forty measures, t For a half-grown pig twenty measures, and for a small one ten. For the owne of she pig one part, for the king the other. Let the arrow-root of the king, and the owner of the pig, be equal. If not arrow-root, some other property. Thus let every thing stolen be paid for. Let four-fold be returned as a recompense, double for the king, and double for the owner. If he (the thief) have no property, let him be set to work on the lands of the person he has robbed. If he refuse, his land shall be the king's, and He shall wander on the road J for an unlimited period. If the king restore him, he shall return to his land, if not (thus) restored he shall not return. The magistrates or judges shall award the punishment annexed to this crime in the laws, and that only. The judge shall not demand the value of the property from the relatives of the thief."
To this law, in the revision of the laws which took place in 1826, two or three particulars were added; one increasing the punishment with the repetition of the crime, and then expressly referring to those depredations in which burglary was committed, and a chest or box
broken open.
III. Relating to fries. If a pig enters a garden, and destroys the produce, let no recompense be required, because of the badness of die fence he entered. If stones are thrown at a pig, and it be bruised, maimed, or killed, the man thus injuring it shall take it, and furnish one equal in size, which he shall take to the owner of the pig killed or injured. If he has no pig, he shall take some other property, as a compensation. For a large pig, twenty measures of arrow-root, and for a smaller one, ten. If not arrow-root, cocoa-nut oil, as many bamboo canes full as measures of arrow-root would have been required. If not (this) personal labour, for a large pig he shall make
* A full-grown hog, of the largest sine, is thus denominated. t A measure contains five or six pounds weight t The figurative term for banishment.
POLYNESIAN RBtBARCHBS, 42$
twenty fathoms of fencing, Jbr a small one fire, for the owner of the pig lulled. If it be a good face, and is broken (through the hunger or obstinacy of the pig) and the produce is destroyed, the pig shall not be killed, but tied up, and jjthe magistrate shall appoint the recompense the proprietor of the garden shall receive. The owner also shall mend the broken fence.
IV. Concerning Stolen Goods oa Property.
If a man attempting to steal property obtains it, and sells it to another, and. the purchaser knew it to he stolen property which he bought—if he does not make it known, but keeps it a secret, he also is a thief; and as is the thief's, such shall be his punishment. Every person concealing property stolen by another, knowing it to be stolen, is also a thief; and as is the thief's, such shall be his punishment.
V. Concerning Lost Property.
When an article that has been lost is discovered by any one, and the owner is known to the finder, the property shall be taken to the person to whom it belongs. But if such property be concealed, when the finder knew to whom it belonged, and yet hid it, he also is a thief; and that his punishment be equal to that of a thief, is right.
VI. Concerning Buying and Selling, oe Barter.
When a man buys or exchanges goods, let the agreement be deliberately and fairly made. When the bargain is finally and satisfactorily made, if one retains his (the article received,) and the other takes away his (the article given,) but after a short season returns it, the other (person) shall net take it again, unless he desires to do so; if agreeable to him to take it, it is with himself. If it be an article, the damage or defects of which were not perceived at the time of exchanging, but after he had taken it to his house were discovered, it is right that it be returned; but if the defects were known at the time of bartering, and when taken to the house were reconsidered, and then returned, it shall not be received.
VII. Concerning the Disregard of the Sabbath.
For a man to work on the Sabbath is a great crime before God. Work that cannot be deferred, such as dressing food when a sick person desires warm or fresh food, this it is right to do; but not such work as erecting houses, building canoes, cultivating land, catching fish, and every other employment that can be deferred. Let none travel about to a long distance on the Sabbath* For those who desire to hear a preacher on the day of food (the preceding day) it is proper to travel* If inconvenient to journey on the preceding day, it is proper to travel on the Sabbath (to attend public worship;) but not to wander about to a great
430
POLYNESIAN IBOABCfiiB.
distance (to dlffsMrt rttkgtft)en tteSabbatb. Themdhismal whoeha*» perairtmlrileWMg those prehsfcMed occupations, shell be warned by the magistrates** to do so; tart tf be witt net regard, be Shall be est to work, such as making a piece of rood afty fathoms long, and two mthoma wide. If, after tilt, be work again en the fafbtaatb, lei it be Me furlong.
VHI. Cowcmtimio* RfrtLUoir, ok 8na*in© «p War.
Tun sua who shall cause war la growr«knU seerelk/circulate false reports, shell secretly alienate tbe dfoftoat of fee andplc from then* lawful sovereign, or any etber meass for actually prossotmg rebellion, Ike mas who act* thus sheR be brought totrmlj lueiif <«e*mtod of sabring up rebeflion, be shall be sent to hit ew» district of Masxi, end if be there again stir op rebellion, hi* sentence shall be ntartong of rood. If he repeat the offence, be shall be banished to some distant island, such as Putoerston's, and shall return only el the wMf or pteaeare of the king.
IX. Reoarotiw ftickar.
It is not proper that one husband should have two Wives, eor that see wife should have two husbands. In reference to the men who* Hay laws had two wives front a stale of heathenism, lef Rotate* be saM, but let it remain; but if one of bis wives die and the other remain, be shall not have two again. When a man obstinately persists to tRktnu* another wife, the magistrate shall eaase Ms second wife to be separated from hem; and shall adjudge, to both, labour as- a punishment The man shall make a piece of road forty faunsms- long', and two fathoms wide; mad the woman shall make two- floor-mate; If not these, feus wearing mats; hafffor the king, and half tor the governor (of the dtetxict*)
X. Concerning a Wrra forweri/t Forsskei*. The man who, in a state of heathenism, forsook bis wife ami lasnhjd another woman, shall not return to his former wife, neither shatl the Win (having married another husband) return: to the husband she forsook when in a state of heathenism. The man es the wosnut taatskali eemist to return, shall be punished? the punishment adjudged, shall be similar to that Which is annexed to the breach of alto ninth law.
XI. CoKCtwniRG. Married* WoattN, and Maraibo MaMw
This law re*pe<to the cringe of adiirtery. ffc is unnecessary to gise me deta&s of its enactments; rt requires peceatery cemaenaatiea tot the offended party, and prohibits lbs offenders from marrying during Ike mntm of the injured indrvidnals.]
POLYNESIAN RKfKARCHaW.
431
XII. ConcanniNe (Diroaca) Ptfmw away H«sbans)S, 4M» Pnrrino
AWAY WlVRS.
Taatasnananeaddpietaw»*huwife,wh0hM not been nnmfthml to Mb, ii wsnug. He musjhmnms shall admonish mm* an one that he reeofcnumwmeuaunm. If he will not regard the admonition, let Jtim be fwiifad^UbovrtiUtfMdaftliafthewiUreta to his wife. If he is rtstniate, and «OlMt reman, then they shall to* lemam tiB one of mem die; m* unsnend shsjl n« umrry aneAer wife. TWwowim^H who shall mmake, or put many iier bneaaral without pause, the above m the regulation with regard to such. But if a man put away hi* wife ob nonosmt nf fear greet anger (violent temper,) awl for her bad behaviour, san»mansmt(her)nmay,tno nmgiewatos shall aftnoaieb cJbys wife and the husband that they lire together; but if they are perversa, they phell remain i the wile aaaU not take another husband, and the husband shaU not take another wife. They thoil also be adjudged to labour till they live together again. The husband'* work ahall be on the road or the plantation. The wife abaU perform such work at wearing mate o* beating cloth. Eor Che king one part, and for the governor the other part, of the work they shaU do.
XIII. CONCERNING THE MOT MAKING PROVISION FOR YHi SUPPORT Off
THI WlFR.
K a amn does not provide mod for hie own wife, but afflicts her with hanger, the magiotrate ahaU ndmonieh sush a husband that Jee behave not than; but if he will not hear their counsel, and hie wife, on account of this aril treatment, (aba) leave, let him be sentenced to labour (if not a weak and sickly man) until the day that he will behave kindly to hie wife. The work abaft be each as making a road, or erecting a fence, for the king and the governor.
XIV. CONCRRWUW MULRIAOR.
Marriage ie an agreement between two persona, one man and one woman, that they will be united in marriage, It must not be with a brother or a stater, bat with a distant relation or a stranger, that a person amy properly (lawfully) marry.
The marriage ceremony shall be performed by a Missionary, or a magistrate. Those purposing to marry abajl make the same known unto a Missionary, or to a magistrate; and the Missionary or (magistrate) shall cause it to be known among the people, that the propriety (of it) may be known. Perhaps mere may be some cause thai would render it improper for them temarry; if not, than they may marry. This is the evil (that wouW render it unjawful) perimpe the man may have forsaken km wife in some island or country, and amy have travelled to another muo%
432
POLYNESIAN RMSJBARCIUM*
deceitfully to marry. So also it maybe with the wife, and is also the regulation. Therefore shall the Missionary request the people, tf they know of evil conduct in any other land, that would render it unlawful, to make it known to him; then shall the marriage not take place. But if there be no evil (that would render it unlawful) then they may marry. On the day of assembling for worship, the Missionary shall publish this word—he shall then say unto all the people," Such an one, and such an one, desire or propose to be united in marriage. The people will then seek or inquire, if there be any just cause why they should not lire together.
When the day arrives for the celebration of marriage, let persons also come as witnesses. The Missionary shall then direct the man to take the right hand of the woman, when he shall say unto him, " Will (or do) you take this woman to be your lawful wife, will you faithfully regard her alone (as your wife,) until death 1 Then shall the man answer, " Ye*" Hie Missionary shall now direct the woman to take the man by the right band, and shall ask her, " Will (or do) you take this man to be your lawful husband, will you be obedient unto him, will you mithfully regard him alone, (as your husband until death f) Then shall the woman answer, "YaS*
After this, the Missionary shall declare unto all the people,li These two persons hare become truly (or lawfully) man and wife, in the presence of God and lnatt." The register of the marriage shall be written by the Missionary in the marriage book, and signed by himself, the parties, and the witnesses. Thus shall marriage be solemnised. Let none become man and wife secretly, it is a crime.
XV. Concerning False Accusation.
The man who shall falsely accuse another before a magistrate, with intent to hare the accused person brought to trial, or the man who shall falsely come as a witness, it being his intention or purpose, in giving false evidence, that the accused may be convicted or punished; if his accusation or evidence is proved to be false, the penalty that would have been adjudged to the accused, (had he been found guilty,) shall be transferred to such false accuser.
XVI. Unnatural Crime.
This law refers to a crime, for the prohibition of which, perpetual banishment, or incessant hard labour for seven long years, Is annexed as the punishment of those who shall be guilty of its perpetration.
The XVIIth regards Sswotion—the XVIIIth RAPE-end the XlXth Fornication: the punishment annexed to the «n--«—i^ of these crimes fa, hard labour for a speeJied period.
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
433
XX. Concerning Drunkenness.
If a man drinks spirits till he becomes intoxicated, (the literal rendering would be poisoned,) and is then troublesome or mischievous, the magistrates shall cause him to be bound or confined; and when the effects of the drink have subsided, shall admonish him not to offend again. But if he be obstinate in drinking spirits, and when intoxicated becomes mischievous, let him be brought before the magistrate, and sentenced to labour, such as road-making, five fathoms in length, and two in breadth. If not with this, with a plantation fence, fifty fathoms long. If it be a woman that is guilty of this crime, she shall plat two large mats, one for the king, and the other for the governor of the district; or make four hibiscus mats, two for the king, and two for the governor; or forty fathoms of native cloth, twenty for the king, and twenty for the governor.
XXI. Damage dome by Dogs or Hogs.
Concerning dogs accustomed to steal or bite, and pigs which bite or rend whatever may come in their way. When a dog steals food secretly, and is addicted to the practice of devouring young pigs, kids, or goats, fowls, or any other small kinds of property, the owner of the dog shall make restitution. If a pig has been devoured, a pig shall he return as a recompense; or a fowl, a fowl shall be returned. That which is returned shall be equal to that which has been destroyed. He shall also kill such dog. But if the owner persists in keeping such dog, fourfold shall he return as a remuneration for all it destroys; twofold, (half) for the king, and twofold (half) for the owner of the property destroyed. A dog also addicted to the habit of biting children, shall be killed. The man who knows that he has a savage or biting dog, and refuses to kill it, (after having been by the magistrate requested to do so,) if a child be bitten by such dog, the dog shall be killed, and its owner punished with labour, for persisting in keeping such a mischievous dog. The punishment specified in the XXtfa law shall be adjudged to him. Hogs also accustomed to devour young or sucking pigs, kids, or fowls, and accustomed to bite or attack children, shall be removed to another place, or killed. If the owner be obstinate, and will neither remove nor kill the pig, after having been admonished by the magistrates, they shall kill the hog, and punish the owner with labour, for obstinately keeping such a dangerous hog. His punishment shall be such as that specified in the twentieth law.
XXII. Concerning Wild or Stray Pigs.
There are no pigs without owners. No one shall hunt pigs on the mountains, or in the valleys, under the pretext that they are without ii. 3k
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owners. The wild pig* in the wood*(or ravines)whose owners are not known, belong to the people of the valley* When the original proprietor u known, though the pigs may hs*«<beeome'wild, they are'still-his. 'If one of such pigs be destroyed* (os eaten) Hshall *e paid for; Jfae parties who took, it^hall make refutation/with a pig equal in sine to that which has been destroyed.- The man who- is obstinate in hunting pigs on the mountains or in the valleys, on the pretext that they are pigs without owners, he ia the same-as a thief ? and as is the tMefa such also (shall be) bi»punhntaent^-tlu*(wltichfe^ *
XXIII. CoMcuNine Conspiracy.
When one man knows that another man wphataing or purposing to murder the king, or is deviling to kill any ether person, er is planning to stealiproperty? er is purposing to commit any'other crime; if he keep such counsel or deed planned in his own heart, and does not reveal it, or, when he is questioned, he conceals, and- does net rally^declare what he know»V M fe like sueh men, amd'his punishment shall be equal to that adjudged to these who have engaged in such conspiracy (or criminal
design..) ........«• *-J..... ..•„-.;
XXIV. Coucnuttmo' ntHiR who suebs khown.
If a number of pereoiar^all'fotia their plans-^lf two fat their plan, then two; if three, then ttoreey'-if ten, then ten—it; when they hare devised the ceuraMon of any crime, one of their number shall go to the magistrate, and shall-rnlly disclose unto khn toe purpose and plan formed (if he bewretthe rbuudatiee of tbnt-ooinbination, if he be net the person who [nrst}devised r^>that man shall not be ?unaheeV But those who do net confess-shall receive Judgment f ''•
-XXV. CoUOBRlHIte THE WAU?HOE12SS CUMBINO FOft'FoeD.
Clanb not, unautherised> anether^erson's utoefor food-; the man who 4om this is criminal. >Te* beg, to asfefexplseitly the owner of the land<(is right) The man who steals food in « gafden<~er by the side ef the house, takes that which is net given by 4he>owner of the land. Ifthe proprietor of toe land desire that he may be tried, he shall be tried, and punished with labour. For food stolen from a garden—for the owner of the enclosure he shall perform labour, such- al ereetmg a feuoe, the length* being regulated by the value of the food'stolen. 'But if it was food growing, or unenclosed, he shall make forty fathoms of road, er four fathoms of stonework.
XXVI. COHCBERINO ReTENUB FOE THE KlNO AND GOVEBNOES.
Every land that has reoeived the word of God, and those that have not, whose institutions are good, agree that it is right to furnish property for their own king, who holds the government, and for the governors of the
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districts. It is also a thing frequently exhibited in the word of God, and taught by Jesus, our Lord, when he said, " Render unto Cesar the things that are Cesar's?" Therefore it is right that we do the same-Let erery individual contribute towards the revenue of the king. The man of great property must furnish mora than the- man of less property. 8uch as gOTernors of districts, shall give two hogs'yeatly. If not-hogs, arrow-root ten measures; If not this, cocoa-nut eft ten bamboos fuH; they must be good-sized bamboos.'
The rasftros, farmers, or small landed-proprietors, shall each giro one hog annually. If not a hog, arrow-root fire measures; if not this, ofl five bamboos. Those, also, who do not possess land) but belong to this country—or belonging to another land, but residing here—this shall be their contribution, one pig for one year, (smaller, than that furnished by the farmers;) if not a pig, arrow-root three measures, or oil three bamboos.
This is another property that the farmers shall prepare for the king that holds the government: Each district shall prepare erery year two mats; ten fathoms long, and two fathoms wide; if not large mam, fine hibiscus mats, one from each (family); if not this, three fathoms of native cloth, each.
This is the property for the governors, which the farmers of their own districts shall furnish for a year: One pig* each; if not a pig,-arrow-root five measures, or oil five bamboos, good bamboos. And as for the king, two mats shall the inhabitants of the district' furnish /or their own governor, (the mats) shall resemble, in length and breadth, those for the king. If not large mats, hibiscus mats one each, or doth three fathoms each. This is the revenue which the districts, shall furnish for their governors each year, the inhabitants of each district for their own governor ; and this is the property which the governors and people shall provide for the king. The man who, on account of illness, is unable to furnish the property here specified in the year, shall meet with compassion from the king and governors. But if it be from indolence, <n any other cause, that he does not, he shall be banished, he shall not be detained by any one. Let the farmers act generously towards their king and governors in furnishing provisions, it is right Of such as bread-fruit, arum, plan* tains, yams, and such kinds of food, let a portion be taken to the king and governors; let it be taken undressed. Not like the great feedings; they shall be entirely abolished,—but observing the week or the month it may be brought There shall be no pigs, but fish, if desired. Thus shall we do well.
XXVII. Concerning Marking with Tatau.
No person shall mark with -tatau, it shall be entirely discontinued. It belongs to ancient evil customs. The man or woman that shall mark
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with tatau, if it be clearly proved, shall be tried and punished, lie punishment of the man shell be this—he shall make a piece of road tea fathoms long for the first marking, twenty (fathoms) for the second; or, stone-work, four fathoms long and two wide; if not this, he shall do some other work for the king. This shall be the woman's punishment—she shall make two large mats, one for the king, and one for the gorernor; or four small mats, for the king two, and for the governor two. If not this, native cloth, twenty fathoms long, and two wide; ten fathoms for the king, and ten for the governor. The man and woman that persist in tattuing themselves successively for four or five times, the figures marked shall be destroyed by blacking them over, and the individuals shall be punished as above written.
XXVIII. Concerning Voyaging in Large Companies.
When a member of the reigning family, or a governor, or other man of rank or influence, shall project a voyage to another land—such as those from Raiatea or Tahiti, visiting Huahine— it is right that he select steady men, such as are of the church, or have been baptised, not immoral and mischievous men, that cease not from crime; such should remain in their (own) land. But if these voyagers continue to bring troublesome persons, when they land upon the shore, the magistrates shall admonish them not to disturb the peace of the place, nor wander about at night If they do not regard, such disturbers shall be bound with ropes until their martori depart, when they shall be liberated
XXIX. Concerning the Magistrates or Judges.
When a man is accused of a crime, such a man may, perhaps, take enticing property (a bribe) to the magistrate or judge, that bis sentence may be diminished; but the magistrate or judge shall on no account receive such bribe or property. The magistrate or judge who shall receive the property (or present) taken by such individual, is criminal. His office shall be discontinued or taken away; neither shall he ever be eligible to be a magistrate or judge again.
XXX* Concerning New Laws.
If any crime comparatively small should arise, and which is not specified in these laws, it is right that this code be altered. Annually the laws shall be revised or amended.' Then shall the prohibition of such crimes as may have been omitted, be inserted, together with the punishment annexed to their commission; that the usages in this land may be straight, or correct.
POLYNBfilAN RB8BARCHB8. 437
Regulations for the Jvnois, the Joky, nd the Mutinous, (or Peace-officers.) Ctnttning the IVinripa? Jsjdjgss.
I. The king! or supreme governors, shall select the chief judges; and when a judge dies, or is interdicted that he may not judge, or when a judge removes to another land, the king and supreme ehiem shall nominate another, to perform the duties thus discontinued.
S. The duties of the chief Judges. This is their duty,—When a man is tried, and bis e^t fully established, the judge shall pronounce the sentence on his crime. The punishment written in the law, and annexed to his crime (shall be adjudged) and no other sentence.
S. Concerning recording the transactions or proceedings^-The Judge shall write the name of the prisoner, with his crime, the names of the parties by whom he was accused, the punishment adjudged for his crime, in a book, for the inspection of the king and the people.
4. Concerning the emolument—The property or salary of die chief Judges shall be given yearly by the king. An fines or connsnlioim shall belong to the king, or the parties specified in the laws.
Gmctmmg las fsaoirdiaafQ Judge$ er MagittrmUt.
1. The king or supreme ohiea shall select or appoint the magistrates for all the districts.
i. Their dutka^-A person accused of any crime, if the principal judge is not at the place, shall be brought before the magistrates of the district, who shall try such individual (in their respective districts;) at other seasons of public trial they shall also assist
3. When a crime is committed, such as theft, or other similar offence, the person whose property has been stolen shall go to a magistrate and give information of the same. The magistrate shall write the names of the accused and the accuser. If the person whose property has been stolen, or who has been injured, desires that the offender should be prosecuted, he snail be tried; but if not, he shall not at once be brought to trial.
4. The magistrates shall endeavour to extinguish every kind of evil that may appear, especially quarrelling, family broils, obstinate contentions, and fighting, that peace may be preserved. Let not the people treat them with disrespect
5 When sentence has been pronounced, let the magistrate inspect its execution, and direct the messengers or officers that it be fully attended to.
0. It is with (or it is the duty of) the king to furnish the remuneration for all the magistrates; such remuneration shall be yearly given, for their vigilance in making straight that which was crooked.
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Concerning the Jury. 1. No man shall be tried for any great crime without a Jury. There shall always be a jury, excepting in minor offences, quarrels, ere.
3. When a man is tried for any crime, the jndge shall select six men to be a jury, men of integrity shall he .select; they shall mark or hear attentiTely the untwisting or investigation (of the matter.) When the evidence and examination, are ended> the Jnry shall confer privately on the statements and evidence they have heasd dnring the trial, the words of the accruers, and.the.word* of the accused, with* the evidence or testimony of the witnesses, If they .unitedly.think the person tried is really guilty, that he committed the crime (there having- been the evidence of two ciadible.witnesmy>e^ifthey^a«reetbathe is guilty, one of thefe number shall address the judge, saying, This man is welly, guilty* Then shall the judge pronounce the sentence open the criminal » the sentence written in the law shall he pronounce. Butif the whole of the Jury think the*mau accused is not guilty, then ^one of their number shall say. There icneguilt If it be one of the kiiie/s fatatty that m *^ then the jury shall be members of-the reigning family, (or nuUriduaJs-sJeeeteeuel rank:) if a landed proprietor or farmer that is tried, of landed proprietors ormrmers, eiriy, shaU-the jusy lie composed...... .....
S. If during the trial the jury desire to put any question- to the prisoner, or to the witnesses, it is right they should do so, , ....
4. If the accused person observes any one on tto jury, whom he knows tobeacruel or evil-minded man, or aman of whom his heart does not approve, it will be right for him to say to the judge, " Remove that man, let him'not be on the jury." Then shall the- Judge seek another man in the place of one so removed, and shall proceed in the trial of the accused. If it be two or three en the jnry, of whom the prisoner does not in his heart approve, they shall be removed.; but in reference to lour, or me whole jury, it will be improper. When two sj^ removed, two others the judge must seek; when three, then must the judge seek to till the place of those removed, and then judge the person accused.
Concerning ike Messenger* qftke Magistrates. Their duties.—This is the duty of the messenger, (or peace-officer,) When a man is accused to a magistrate, die magistrate shall send a messenger to the accused person, to bring him before the face of the magistrate, and guard or take the custody of him during the trial. When the trial has terminated, the messenger shall superintend the execution of the sentence pronounced by the magistrate or judge, and, in subordination to the magistrate, shall vigilantly inspect the convicts, till the sentence be accomplished.
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3. Concerning their remuneration.—The king shall give annually to the messengero, satsh property as* May be appropriated to* them, for their vigilance in preserving the order (and peace) of the land. •
Direction,? *qr, thb Judges and the J dry* .
- • li'The Judges and the Jury >ahalf not regard the-appeanaoe* (circumstances) of men. If a man of influence (be brought before them) let him be a man of influence; if a neighbour, let Mm be a neighbour; if a relative, lethimbera relaHrei or fcfrieud, let him be a friend; thir they shall *ot regard. That which is written in the laws, and that alone, ahall tKey regard.
». When an offence Is committed, such as theft or adultery ; if the Injured person desires that the offender should be tried, he shall go himself to the magistrate, and give information. The magistrate shall write his name, ami the name of the person recused, that it may be regular in trial. But ofeneet/whloh affect the Whole island, such as murder,' rebellion1,'<9ob-spiraoy; Working 6n the 'SabDathy it shall be competent for any person to give information to the magistrate f and thevmagistrate shall write* his naftney and the'tiafflG of the person accused. The magistrate shall not regard or bring to trial 6n vague reports. It is proper thatsbme iildrVidu'al should go ami lodge the tafornmtlon. * ' " ' !
3.'When a person is brought to trial, -and'When the magistrates are assembled, the accused and the accuser, and the witnesses, being also present, the magistrate or judge shall publicly declare the crime of which the offender is accused, and shall then ask him if it is a true word or accusation. If the prisoner replies, "Yes, it is a true word/* the judgeshall pronounce the sentence." But if the person accused replies " It is not, I did not commit the offence:" then shall die judge request the person on whose information he was apprehended, to state his accusation. If there be two witnesses, let there be two; if three, (let there be) three. It is proper that witnesses should have' the clearest, strongest evidence.' Then shall the judge request the prisoner to declare what he has to say. If there be a person there thai knows the accused to be innocent, he shall give his evidence; and if there be two, let there be two; if three, let there be three; they shall deliver all their word or evidence. If the person accused wishes to ask his accuser any questions, it is right for hmi to do so. He shaft inquire 6t the* judge, and me judge shall repeat the question to the accuser.
4. No man shall be confined without cause. When a pig breaks into a garden, the owner of the pig shall not be bound, but information shall be given to the magistrate, and he shall send his messenger to bring the owner
440 POLYNESIAN RB8HARCHBS.
of die pig, that he may be tried according to Law III. Hie sane coarse shall be adopted in all petty offences: but for murder, theft, rebellion, etc* and all great crimes, it is proper, to secure (the offender.) Let not the confinement be long before the person is brought to trial. One, two, or three days will be sufficient Let it not be longer.
5. When petty offences are committed; the district magistrates shall try the offenders; but in all great crimes, the judges and the Jury shall assemble in one place for the trial.
6. When a man is tried by a district magistrate, and sentenced by him, if the person sentenced think that the judge has been irritated with him, and has increased his punishment; if (from these considerations) he shall say—1 will go to the chief-judge and the Jury to be tried, it is right that he do so. They shall both go before the supreme judge and a jury, to be tried.
7. When a man is tried, convicted, and sentenced by the jury and judge, he shall not be maltreated, as by beating with a stick, piercing with a spear, or enduring any other savage practice. It shall not be practised. The punishment appropriate shall be adjudged.
8. When a man is convicted of any great crime by the judge and the Jury, and they unanimously think that he deserves punishment; then the judge shall write on a paper his crime, and his own and the Jury's decision on which he has been sentenced. This shall be taken to the king, and if the king approves of their decision, he shall write upon a paper brought by the judge. " It is fully approved/' and write his own name underneath, then shall the punishment be inflicted on such offender. If the king desire to mitigate the sentence, he may do so, but cannot increase it
The names of the judges, magistrates, and messengers, or police officers, for Huahine and Sir Charles Sander's Island, follow this last regulation, and close the first official document issued by the government of these islands—and, next to the sacred writings, the most beneficial ever promulgated among the people.
I have endeavoured to give a correct and even servile translation of this important publication. The idiom and peculiar phraseology of the original, I have almost invariably retained, rather than sacrifice fidelity to improvement of style. In some respects I have wished
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that several enactments had been otherwise than they are 5 these parts, however, have not been omitted; and notwithstanding their imperfections, considering the circumstances of the parties by whom they were framed, regarding them also as *he first effort of their legislation as a Christian people, and the basis of their future civil institutions, they embody aU the great principles, of national security, personal liberty, general order, publie morals, and good government. And if no Solon or iiycurgus should appear among them, it is not too much to hope that, amidst the variety of character daily unfolded, and the means of improvement which the introduction of letters imparts, that political economy will not be neglected, but that legislators will arise, whose genius shall model and prepare such improvements in their system of jurisprudence,.** shall render it in every respect conducive to general prosperity and individual happiness.
In tiie Tabitian and Raiatean codes, when first promulgated, the punishment of death was annexed to the crime of murder, nnd rebellion or treason. JJut by toe laws of Huahine and its dependency, capital punishment was not inflicted for any crime. In the first law prohibiting murder and every species of infanticide, the penally annexed to its commission, instead of being death, is banishment for life to Palmerston's, or some other uninhabited island. This was in .consequence of our particular recommendation. We were convinced, that if, under any circumstances, man is justified in the infliction of death, it is for murder alone; but an examination of those parts of the Bible which are generally supposed to authorise this punishment, did not fix on us the impression that the Almighty had delegated to man 11. 3l
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the right of deliberately destroying a human being, even for this crime.
In our views of those parts of the sacred writings, we may perhaps have been mistaken. But in reference to the great principles on which public justice is administered, the plan recommended appeared in every respect preferable. Death is not indicted, even on the murderer, from motives of retaliation or revenge; and if it be considered that his life is forfeited, and is taken to expiate his crime, the satisfaction which the injured party derives from such expiation, must be of a very equivocal kind. At the same time, the very execution of the sentence imparts to the executioner somewhat of the character of an avenger, or excites the apprehension that it is done under the influence of irritated and vindictive feelings.
The great design of capital, and even other punishments, is the security of society, and the prevention of crime. The death of the criminal preserves society from any future injury by his means; and the fatal punishment inflicted, it is presumed, will deter others from the commission of similar offences. The security of the community from all future violation or outrage, is certainly obtained by the death of the criminal; but experience and observation abundantly demonstrate the inadequacy of public executions to restrain from the most appalling deeds. Every repetition of the awful spectacle appears to diminish its horrific character, until those habituated to felony become familiar with its heaviest punishment. The principal end of public executions is thus defeated, the general tone of public feeling lowered, and that which was designed to be the most effectual moral barrier, is at length converted into an occasion, or
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sought for as an opportunity for the commission of crime.
By recommending the omission of capital punish* stents, we avoided this evil, and, regarding the peculiar circumstances of the nation, were in hopes thereby indirectly to elevate the tone of moral feeling, and improve the sensibilities, of a people emerging from a state of barbarism, in which murder, and retaliated murder, had not only been familiar, but committed with brutal satisfaction.
The existence of a number of islands uninhabited, but capable of cultivation, and from the cocoa-nut trees growing on their borders, and the fish to be found near their shores capable of furnishing the means of subsistence, and yet too remote to allow of the convicts returning, or proceeding to another island in any vessel they could construct, appeared to afford the means of answering every end of public justice. The community would be as safe from future injury, as if the offenders had been executed; and we had but little apprehension, that a life of perpetual solitude, and necessary labour, would be regarded by many as more intolerable and appalling than speedy death.
We have always regarded it, as less difficult to render laws, once established, more sanguinary, than lenient afterwards. Another consideration, by which we were also influenced, was, the season to exercise repentance or supplication for mercy, which it would afford the criminal, before he was called to the bar of the Almighty. To the offender this was most important, and as it could be bestowed without danger to the donors, we were always desirous that it should be granted. No opportunity for observing the practical effects of this law has yet occur-
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red, no murder having been committed m any of the islands since its enactment. Within two years after the promulgation of the Tahitian code, four executions for conspiracy and treason took place. The influence of these appeared by no means salutary t and in the revision of the laws of Tahiti in 1896, banishment for life was substituted as the penalty for those crimes to which death had before been annexed. One individual waa sentenced to perpetaal solitude, and was to hare been furnished with a few tools, together with such seeds and roots as it was presumed, would, when cultivated* afford the means of subsistence j but before he waa actually trans* ported, circumstances occurred which induced the king to mitigate his sentence. It has never been intended to send any number of felons to the same island i hence distinct and distant islands have been appropriated to the residence of traitors and murderersv
The observations on this article may appear to have been unnecessarily extended: but the important charae* ter of the law itself, and the difference in its penalty from that ordinarily iniieted, have induced more length* ened remarks than I should otherwise have offered.
Another distinguishing and important feature in their judicial proceedings, is, the omission of oaths, in appointing the Jury, or examining witnesses. No oath is administered on any occasion: the deliberate assertion la received us evidence; and false evidence is regarded aa equally criminal with false accusation, mid is, I believe, pmmmed accordingly.
The second law is one of those legumttons peculiar to particular and local communities. Their swine and chew gardens are among their principal sources m* maintenance and wealth. -The animals are not kef* in sties or
445
other enclosures, but range the district at liberty; a great proportion of their food being derived from the cocoa* nuts, bread-fruity plums, chestnuts, and other fruits that fall from the trees. During the season of fruit, these are abundant, and the pigs feed and sleep in quietness under the shade; but during the other seasons of the year, they are very troublesome. Their materials for fences are not very good; and a large strong and hungry hog will easily force a way into the garden with his tusks or his teeth, and often do great mischief in a very short time. In 1826 this law was revised, and rendered more simple.
Tne sixth enactment, relating to barter, was very ne* cessary, not only for the exchanges, or trade, carried on among the natives themselves, but for the prevention of misunderstandings and dissatisfaction between them and those foreigners by whom they might be visited for purposes of traffic or barter. They are naturally fickle: and wire formerly accustomed to return articles which they exchanged, merely because they desired to repossess what* ever they might have given for it; this practice led to frequent allocations, and, when trading with foreigners, to most serious quarrete.
The law which prohibits labour on the Sabbath-day, is perhaps enforced by a penalty dieproportioned to the offence. It ought, however, to be observed, that as a nation they wen accustomed to pay the strictest regard to this day from religious considerations, before the legal enactment was made, which was principally designed to prevent annoyance to those who were fooiaoue to devote the day to religious services. The road which the eflenders were to make, was not much more than a foot* path, wim a small trench dug on each side, and raised
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in the centre, from the sand or earth taken from its borders.
Hie eighth law, referring to rebellion, is translated from the amended code of 1826, simply because this article was much shorter than in that of 1823. It contains the substance of the former enactment, which had been copied verbatim from the Tahitian code, and was drawn up by Pomare, it fixes the punishment for the thud offence to perpetual banishment, instead of leaving it optional with the judges to banish, or sentence to public labour for seven years or for life.
The ninth regulation can only be of temporary application, and the necessity for its introduction arose from the peculiar circumstances of the people, while passing, as it were, from paganism to Christianity. Prior to the subversion of heathenism, polygamy prevailed more or less in all the South Sea Islands: some of the chief women had also a plurality of husbands. This regulation did not require those who had entered into these relations in a heathen state to dissolve them on becoming Christians, and was only designed to prevent any one from making these engagements after they had become such : it is a circumstance which merits notice, that there were very few who did not of their own accord, and by agreement among themselves, disannul this relationship excepting with one individual. They knew that with more than one person, it was inconsistent with the precepts of the Bible; and this consideration induced the discontinuance of their former practice. If their previous habits of life, and the notorious licentiousness of their character, be regarded, their conduct in this respect is a striking illustration of the power of Divine truth upon their minds, and of the attention they con-
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS. 447
sidered its injunctions to require. This article was amended in 1886, and it was enacted, in the event of a man marrying a second wife, without her knowing that he was already a married man, he.should not only be sentenced to public work, but should furnish pecuniary compensation for the female he had thus injured.
The twelfth enactment, which regards the dissolution of the marriage contract, is rather a singular article. The influence of the former institutions appears to require it, or at least something of the kind. Formerly, under whatever circumstances, and with whatever ceremonies, the engagement had been made, nothing could be more brittle than the band which held together those united in matrimony. The engagement was not regarded as binding any longer than the caprice or inclination of the parties dictated. Accustomed thus to relieve themselves for any unpleasantness in temper, &c. it was to be feared that the separations resulting from them would lead to the arranging of new contracts. To avoid the confusion and inconvenience of this, the present regulation was introduced 5 and although it was not supposed that hard labour would revive affection in the bosoms of those who, notwithstanding they had solemnly agreed to dwell together for life, had yet become estranged from each other $ yet it was presumed, that the admonition from the magistrate, and the consequence of obstinate alienation, might induce the parties to impose a little restraint upon their tempers, and to make an effort to live together in peace and quietness, if not in kindness and in love.
The degradation of the female sex is an invariable accompaniment of paganism; and in addition to the humiliation and slavery to which those in the South Sea
t
448 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
Islands were reduced while tbe community were heathens, they were often exposed to the Bufferings of hunger and want, from the neglect or unkmdnew of their savage and imperious husbands.
The thirteenth enactment, requiring provision to be made lor them, may be regarded as an indication of the light in which the nation at this time viewed their former treatment of the females, or an expression of their determination to prevent its recurrence.
The law concerning marriage is a most important enactment, and may be justly regarded as the oasis of all their regulations for domestic comfort, and productive of every household virtue. It was thought that the season of assembling for public lecture during the week, which was on Wednesday evening, would be preferable to the Sabbath, for giving tbe notice, or, what is termed with us, publishing the banns, hut the marriage was not to take ^lace till the following week. Though the law only prescribes -the terms in which the contract shall be made, the people usually expect a short address, and prayer for the Divine blessing; and on that account in general, prefer applying to the Missionaries to perform the ceremony. No fees are received by either party for solemnizing the marriage, or entering the record. In the revision of the code in -1826, this law was considerably improved by annexing to the public announcement of the intention of *the parties, the reason why such public declaration wns made, viz. that any who knew of just cause why the marriage should not take place, might declare the same.
Dogs are numerous in the islands, though not now reared as formerly for food. They are generally remark* ably indolent, unsightly, and ill-bred, and are *a 'great
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nuisance in most of {he settlements. Disputes are not frequent among the natives, but they arise as often on account of the depredations of their dogs and hungry pip, as from any otter cause. Neither their dogs nor •wine are conuned^but prowl about the districts, destroying numbers of fowls, kids, and young pigs. Several instances have occurred, in which children have been attacked ami injured by savage and hungry swine. Under such circumstances formerly, redress would have been sought, or vengeance taken, with the club or the spear. To diminish the number of useless animals, and to secure greater ears over others, the twenty-first regulation was made, which rendered the owners in some degree responsible for any mischief they might occasion, Sueh was the population of the islands formerly, that every bread-fruit and cocoa-nut tree had to* respective owner; and a single tree, it is said, bad sometimes two proprietors. Subsequently, however, ^tensive clusters or groves of trees were to be met with, having no other owner the* the chief of the district in which they grew. The fruit of these, it was formerly their practice to gather in its season, without asking the -consent of any one. The proprietor of the lami could at any time appropriate to Ms ovm use any number of the trees, by affixing such marks as meoe indications that they weee retoteto, m prohibited. Thm psectiae being connected with certain idolatrous cenamonles, was discontinued with the eboikkm of the system. As the population increased, the people became more careful of their trees, and the practice of gathering promiscuously the fruit from those trees not enclosed, appeared generally undesirable. There are, however, a. number of persons at most of the settlements, who have scarcely jmy other sources whence
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they can derive a supply. Iu order to afford them ail opportunity of procuring this, and at the same time securing to the proprietors their right to the disposal of the fruit growing on their own lands, the twenty-fifth regulation was framed, and applied to most of the trees whose fruit is used as an article of food. • The government having been hitherto an arbitrary monarchy, the king and chiefs had been accustomed, not only to receive a regular supply of all the articles produced in the islands, but to send their servants to take whatever they required, however abundant the supply furnished might have been. This practice destroyed all security of individual property, and, so long as it continued, was one of the great barriers to the improvement and civilization of the people. It had always appeared to us desirable to introduce such regulations, in reference to this subject, as would procure for the king and chiefs a revenue more ample than the system of extortion and plunder had ever furnished, and at the same time secure inviolate to the people the right of private property.
In proposing any regulation of this kind to the chiefs, we always felt some degree of delicacy, and found the introduction of the measure attended with difficulties. To the chiefs it appeared in some degree depriving them of their power, and rendering them dependent on the donations of the people; and there were others who, connecting the prosperity of the people with the continuance of the monarchical government, were not free from apprehension lest the restraint imposed on the chiefs should diminish their influence in the nation, and destroy the authority of the sovereign. The rulers and chiefs of Huahine, however, readily embraced the plan, and heartily recommending it to the adoption of the people, have
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found it much more productive than the former system of oppression. To the people, the advantage of this enactment is incalculable. They have already begun.to taste the sweets and enjoyments resulting from the secure possession of their property, and the satisfaction of contemplating the produce of their labour as inviolably their own. No regulation, before introduced, appears so. much adapted to promote extensive agriculture, general industry, and advancement in civilization.
In 1826, this enactment was improved: the proportion of tribute individuals in the several classes of society should furnish, was definitely fixed; and the whole rendered more explicit. Although this regulation has been subsequently introduced, and still further extended, in the codes of some of the other islands, this being the first enactment on the subject promulgated by any of the infant governments of the island, may be regarded as the basis on which the right and security of private property is established.
The remaining articles in the first Huahine code refer to the regulation of their judicial proceedings, and are designed to supply the deficiency that appeared in the laws of other islands previously introduced. In these the power of the judge and magistrate was discretionary, both as to the kind and degree of penalty imposed for several offences. This was found to open a door for the abuse of power, and was frequently very unsatisfactory to the people in general. From these considerations we were led to recommend the chiefs to annex the punishment to the prohibition of the offence, and restrict the magistrate in the infliction of such penalty only as the law enjoined: this plan has appeared in general to give satisfaction, though it
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is often attended with practical difficulties \ these, how-however, the increasing experience <A the people will prohably enable them to remove.
In 18516, the regulations regarding the local magistrates was improved, and two were appointed to preserve the peace in each district, from whose decision any one could appeal, even in petty cased, to the judges of the island. At the same time, the salaries of the magistrates, as well as those of the judges, which are paid by the king, were definitively fixed.
The law which declared that "No man should be tried for any great offence (viz. one which affected his person, liberty, or possessions) without a jury," we have always regarded as the basis of their public justice. The liberty granted to the prisoner, of objecting to any members of the jury, is a valuable security for the proper and impartial investigation of the case.
In 1826, tins enactment was also amended, and it was then enjoined, not only that a chief or raatira should be tried by his equals, but that if a peasant or mechanic were brought to trial, the jury also should be peasants or mechanics. Every friend of liberty, and the natural rights of men, and to the order and good government of society, must rejoice that these infant nations should have enjoyed, so early in their civil existence, the security which the trial of a subject by his peats is adapted to insure. At the same time it was also enacted, that, in all cases, the jury should be unanimous in their verdict.
Besides these regulations, which were included in the first legislative code, established in 1828, and improved in 1896; at this latter period, several important articles were added, and the Huahinian code now contains fifty
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loirs. The ftrrt of thow introduce at this time, regarded the education or discipline of the children, and was designed to counteract the fugitive habits which the children indulged prior to the establishment of regular schools. Formerly the children were accustomed to resist all parental restraint, and, whenever they chose, to leave their parents' abode, and associate with other children, or take up their residence in any other part of the island.
The facility with which the means of support might in general be obtained, rendered it a matter of little or no inconvenience to the parties to whom such children might, at the age of eight, ten, or twelve years, attach themselves. Hie person with whose establishment they might unite, exercised no moral or guardian care over them; and their distance from the dwelling of their own parents, removed them from the restraint and superintendence of those on whom naturally devolved the preservation of their morals and the formation of their character. To prevent the sanction and support which children absconding from their homes had been accustomed to receive, and to promote a more general attention to the reciprocal duties of parents and children, this regulation was introduced.
Another enactment prohibited the revival of those amusements and dances which were immoral in their tendencies.
A third prohibited husbands from ill-treating their wives.
The fourth referred to their fisheries, and by fixing the proportion of fish taken which should be given to the king and governors, was adapted to prevent misunderstanding or dissatisfaction.
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The most advantageous regulation, however, intra* duced at this period, for the first time in any of the legal enactments, was that which regarded the boundaries of lands. This law required that all disputes about landmarks should be referred to the judges, or settled by the decision of a jury; and that the boundaries of all the lands, fields, &c. throughout the island, should be carefully ascertained, and, with the dimensions, descriptions of the land, and the names of the owners, should be entered in a book to be called the Book of the Boundaries of Lands. A copy of the boundaries of each land, with the owners, signed by the principal judge, and sealed with the king's seal, was to be prepared, as a document or legal title to the possession of such land in perpetuity.
Many difficulties presented themselves in adjusting the rights of different claimants to the same lands. Prior to the introduction of Christianity, the lands often changed owners during the internal wars that prevailed, and the descendants of those who at this time possessed or occupied the land, preferred their claims. But as those who possessed the lands at the abolition of idolatry, held them either as the fruits of conquest or the gifts of the king, it was decreed that those who possessed them should be considered as their lawful owners, and that no claim referring to a period antecedent to this, should be admitted. This law, by which the lands of the islands were made the freehold property of their possessors, is one of the most important in its influence on the property, that had yet been enacted. The unalienable right in the soil would thus descend from the father to the son, and no man could be deprived of this natural right but by a flagrant violation of the laws of his country.
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In the year 1824, when the infant, Pomare HI. was recognized by the nation as the successor to his father in the government of Tahiti and Moorea, the Tahitian code was revised and enlarged. At this time, a most important law was introduced; which gave to the nation, for the first time, what might be termed a representative government, and rendered the Tahitian a limited, instead of an absolute monarchy. It was then decreed that members from every district should meet annually, for the purpose of devising and enacting new laws, and amending those already in existence. The duration of the session was to be regulated by the business to be transacted. The inhabitants of the districts were to select their representatives, and fresh deputies or members to be elected every three years. It was at first enacted, that two should be sent from each district j but the same law authorized the body which might be thus convened to increase the number to three or four from each, if it were found desirable. No regulation was to be regarded as a law, but such as had been approve?! or proposed by them, and had received the sanction of the king; and every regulation made by them, and approved by the king, was to be observed as the law of the land.
The printed report of the session of what may be termed the Tahitian parliament, which assembled "in May 1826, contains an alteration of two laws, and four new regulations. The first of these is sufficiently important to justify its translation, it is—
COXOERMKO SEAMEN WHO MAY LEAVE THEIR VESSEL*.
1. The captain, or master of the vessel, who shall tarn one of his crew on shore, without the consent of the governor of the district, is criminal. He shall pay thirty dollars; twenty to the king, six to the governor, and four to the man who shall conduct the seaman back to his ship.
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2. The iu who akaU fcrsake his ship, and hid* hmiself on shore, shall be immediately apprehended. The man that finds and apprehends (each deserter) shall receire eight dollars, if he was taken near at hand; and fifteen dollars, if brought from a distance.
ft. The person who shall entice any man belonging to a ship, so thai ha abandon his ship, and the man who shall hide or secrete him who shall so abscond, shall be tried, and (if convicted) bis sentence shall be to make flfrr fathoms of pathway or road, or to bvild eight yards of stone pair or watt.
4. A seaman who had concealed himself on shore, and who shall to found after his ship has sailed, shall be brought to trial, and his sentence ahal bo to make fifty fathoms of rend.
One of tk* greatest sources of annoyance to the iiatrwn, •ad ^convenience to foreigners, has been the conduct of seamen who have aheeonded iron their ships, or been turned on shore by Ike masters of trading vessels. Te> present a* nmeb. ae possible seamen from fearing their ships, this law was enacted; and by subjecting to a punishment with hard labour, both the deserters, and those who may favour their desertion or concealment, is adapted to answer the end proposed..
A copy of this law, with, on English translation printed on the same paper, is given, by a person whom the government appoints for that purpose, to the master of every vessel entering any of their harbomrs. Tht regulation is so just in its nature, and so salutary is its tendency in regard to those who visit the islands, as well as the community on shore, that the most ready acquiescence in its requirements may be most reasonably expected.
Tne people have always felt more difficulty in the enforcement of those regulations which refer to subjects of other governments residing among them, than to the na-
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCRKS. 457
fives of their own islands. The sentencing of such sailors as may desert from their ships, or may be found on shore after their vessels have sailed, to hard labour on the public roads or quays, is probably the most effectual plan they could have adopted to deter seamen from the very frequent practice of forsaking their vessels.
The promulgation of an official printed code among the inhabitants of these islands,, not only formed an epoch in their history, but introduced a new order of feeling and action in their civil relations, as a community governed by laws which they had deliberately and unitedly adopted. Perspiscuity and plainness had been studied in the framing of their laws, and in several instances we should have preferred even greater explioitnesS. The public administration of justice, under the former system, had been exceedingly unceremonious and simple; and although the change now introduced had rendered it rather more complex, it was not intricate or perplexing. la several of the islands, I believe, court-houses were built. There were none, however, in Huahine when I left, though I have since heard that they were erecting one for the chief judges.
No investigations or trials have ever taken place with " closed doors/' but all causes are tried in open court. In some of the islands, the bell-man goes round the district, to give public notice before any trial takes place. Their places of justice have usually been the governor's house, or the open air, frequently the court-yard in front of the chief's dwelling, ah open space in the centre of the settlement, or near the sea-beach* A wide-spreading tree, or clump, is usually selected, and under its shade the bench is fixed and the trial attended. The hour of sun-rise is usually chosen, as they prefer the coolness of the morning to the heat of noon, if. 3n
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Important as this change in the civil constitution wart to all the great interests of the people, there were doubtless many who were either insensible of the advantages that would accrue to themselves and their posterity, or were unable to appreciate their value. There were others, however, among different ranks in society, who thought and felt differently, and occasionally exhibited the high sense they entertained of natural and acknowledged rights, and the security-they expected from the laws they had adopted. Many illustrations of this remark might be adduced, I shall only cite one that occurred in the island in which I resided.
In the autumn of 1822, the queen of Tahiti, the widow of Pomare, visited Huahine. Her attendants, who followed in her train from Tahiti, requiring apiece of timber, she directed them to cut down a bread-fruit tree growing in the garden of a poor man on the opposite side of the bay, near which her own residence stood. Her orders were obeyed, and the tree was carried away. Teuhe, the owner of the spot on which it stood, returning in the evening to his cottage, saw the spoiler had been there; the stump was bleeding, and the boughs lay strewed around, but the stately trunk was gone. Informed by his neighbours that the queen's men had cut it down, he repaired to the magistrate of the district, and lodged a complaint against her majesty the queen. The magistrate directed him to come to the place of public justice the following morning at sun-rise, and substantiate his 1 charge: he afterwards sent his servant to the queen, and iuvited her attendance at the same hour. The next morning, the Missionary residing there went down to witness the proceeding; and, as the sun rose above the horizon, Ori, the magistrate, was seen sitting in the open air,
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beneath the spreading branches of a venerable tree: on a finely-woven mat, before him, sat the queen, attended by her train; beside her stood the native peasant; and around them all, what may be termed the police-officers. Turning to Teuhe, the magistrate inquired for what purpose they had been convened. The poor man said, that in his garden there grew a bread-fruit tree, whose shade was grateful to the inmates of his cottage, and whose fruit, with that of those which grew around, supported his family for five or seven months in every year 5 but that, yesterday, some one had cut it down, as he had been informed, by order of the queen. He knew that they had laws—he had thought those laws protected the poor man's property, as well as that of kings and chiefs; and he wished to know whether it was right that, without his knowledge or consent, the tree should have been cut down.
The magistrate, turning to the queen, asked if she had ordered the tree to be cut down. She answered, ' Yes.'— He then asked if she did not know that they had laws. She said, 'Yes;' but she was not aware they applied to her. The magistrate asked, 'If in those laws (a copy of which he held in his hand) there were any exceptions in favour of chiefs, or kings, or queens.' She answered, 'No;' and despatched one of her attendants to her house, who soon returned with a bag of dollars, which she threw down before the poor man, as a recompense for his loss.— 'Stop,' said the justice, 'we have not done yet.' The queen began to weep. ' Do you think it right that you should have cut down the tree without asking the owner's permissionV continued the magistrate. 'It was not right,' said the queen. Then turning to the poor man, he asked, ' What remuneration do you require ?' Teuhe
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answered, If the queen is convinced that it was not right to take a little man's tree without his permission, I am sure she will not do so again. I am satisfied—I require no other recompense/ His disinterestedness was applauded; the assembly dispersed; and afterwards, I think, the queen sent him, privately, a present equal to the value of his tree.
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CHAP. XVI.
Visit from the Windward I«knd»—Opposition to the moral restraints of Christianity—Totaling prohibited by the chiefs—Account of the dyo instruments, and process, of tatauing—Variety of flgores' or patterns— The operatioa painml, and frequently fatal-*Revival of the practice-Trial and penalty of the offenders—Rebellion against the laws and government—Public assembly—Address of Tana—Departure of the chiefs and people from the encampment of the king's son—Singularity of their dress and appearance—Interview between the rival parties—-Return of Haotia and the captives—Frequency of war in the South Sea Islands—Polynesian war-god—Religious ceremonies and human sacrifices, prior to the commencement of hostilities—National councils —Mustering of forces—Emblems of the gods taken to the war—Strength of their fleets or armies—The battle of Hooroto—Women engaging in war—Martial music—Modes of attack—Single'combats, challenges, &c* —JThe rauti, or orators of battle—Sacrifice of the first prisoner—Use of the sling.
During the year 1821, besides going to Tahiti, I made three voyages to Raiatea, and spent a number of weeks with the Missionaries there. These voyages were not dangerous, although we were often out at sea all night, and sometimes for nights and days together. The Hope, whose arrival at Tahiti in April had afforded us so much satisfaction, called at Huahine on her way to England, with a cargo she had taken at Tahiti. Shortly after this, we were also favoured with a visit from Messrs. Darling and Bourne, who accompanied the captain of the Westmoreland from Tahiti, in the ship's long-boat*
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After meeting the Missionaries of the Leeward Islands at Raiatea, they passed some weeks with us in Huahine. Their visit was peculiarly gratifying, being the first we had received from any of the Missionaries in the Windward Islands, though we had been at Fare harbour upwards of three years. The season they spent with us was also distinguished by one or two important circumstances.
Paganism had been renounced in 1816, and a general profession of Christianity followed the commencement of the Mission here j there were, however, a number who felt the restraint Christianity imposed upon their evil propensities, to be exceedingly irksome. These were principally young persons; and though, from the influence of example, or the popularity of religion, they had attached themselves to the Christians, they were probably hoping that a change would take place in the sentiments of the nation more favourable to their wishes, and relax the restriction which the precepts of Scripture had imposed. They did not disturb the tranquillity of the community.
But when the chiefs intimated their intention of governing for the future according to the principles and maxims of the Bible, and that the new code of laws had received the sanction of Pomare-vahine, as well as that of the ruling chiefs on the island, they began to be apprehensive that the existing state of things was likely to be permanent. They then first exhibited a disposition to oppose their application. Several who had transgressed had been by the chiefs admonished and dismissed; the latter, at the same time, firmly declaring their determination to enforce the laws which they had promulgated.
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. Among other prohibitions, that of tatauing, or staining the body, was included. . The simple act of tatauing, or marking the skin, was in itself no breach of the peace, but it was connected with their former idolatry, and always attended with the practice of abominable vices, and on this account was prohibited. The fondness of the Tahitians for these ornaments, as they considered the marks thus impressed, is truly remarkable. Jt is not confined to them, but pervades the principal groups, and is extensively practised by the Marquesians and New Zealanders. Although practised by all classes, I have not been able to trace its origin. It is by some adopted as a badge of mourning, or memorial of a departed friend; and from the figures we have sometimes. seen upon the persons of. the natives, and the conversation we have had, we should be induced to think it was designed as a kind of historical record of the principal actions of their lives. But it was, we believe, in modern times adopted by the greater number of the people merely as a personal adornment.
It must have been a painful operation, and was seldom applied to any extent at the same time. There were tahua, professors of the art of tatauing, who were regularly employed to perform it, and received a liberal remuneration.
The colouring matter was the kernel of the candle-nut, aleurites triloba, called by the natives riotri. This was first baked, and then reduced to charcoal, and afterwards pulverized, and mixed with oil. The instruments were rude, though ingenious, and consisted of the bones of birds or fishes, fastened with fine thread to a small stick. Another stick, somewhat heavier, was also used to strike the above when the skin was perforated. The figure or
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464 POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHM.
pattern to be tataued, was portrayed upon the Bkin with a piece of charcoal, though at times the operation was guided only by the eye.
A number of idolatrous ceremonies attended its commencement ; and when these were finished, the performer, immersing the points of the sharp bone instrument in the colouring matter, which was a beautiful jet black, applied it to the surface of the skin, and, striking H smartly with the elastic stick which he held in his right hand, punctured the skin, and injected the dye at the same time, with as much facility as an adder would bite, and deposit his poison.
; So long as the person could endure the pain, the operator continued his work, but it was seldom that a whole figure was completed at once. Hence it proved a tedious process, especially with those who had a variety of patterns, or stained the greater part of their bodies. They usually began to impress these unfading marks upon their persons at an early age, frequently before they had reached the seventh or eighth year. Both sexes were tataued^ but the men more than the women.
The tatauing of the Sandwich and Paliser Islanders, though sometimes abundant, is the rudest I have seen; that of the New Zealanders and the Marquesians is very ingenious, though different in its kind. The former consists principally in narrow, circular, or curved lines, on different parts of the face; the lines in the latter were broad and straight, interspersed with animals, and sometimes covered the body so as almost to conceal the original colour of the skin*
The Tahitian tatauing is more simple, and displays greater taste and elegance than either of the others. Though some of the figures are arbitrary, such as stars,
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465
circles, lozenges, &c.; the patterns are usually taken from nature, and are often some of the most graceful. A cocoa-nut tree is a favourite object; and I have often admired the taste displayed in the ^marking of a chiefs' legs, when I have seen a cocoa-nut tree correctly and distinctly drawn, its root spreading at the heel, its elastic stalk pencilled as it were along the tendon, and its waving plume gracefully spread out on the broad part of the calf. . Sometimes a couple of stems would be twined up from the heel, and divided on the calf, each bearing a plume of leaves.
. The ornaments round the ankle, and upon the instep, make them often appear as if they wore the elegant Eastern sandal. Tlie sides of the legs are sometimes tataued from the ankle upward, which gives the appearance of wearing pantaloons with ornamented seams. From the lower part of the back, a number of straight, waved, or zigzag lines, rise in the direction of the spine, and branch off regularly towards the shoulders. But, of the upper part of the body, the chest is the most tataued. Every variety of figure is to be seen here. Cocoa-nut and bread-fruit trees, with convolvolus wreaths hanging round them, boys gathering the fruit, men engaged in battle, in the manual exercise, triumphing over a fallen foe; or, as I have frequently seen it, they are represented as carrying a human sacrifice to the temple. Every kind of animal—goats, dogs, fowh, and fish—may at times be seen on this part of the body; muskets, swords, pistols, clubs, spears, and other weapons of war, are also stamped upon theii arms or chest.
They are not all crowded upon the same person, but each one makes a selection according to his fancy; and I have frequently thought the tatauing on a man's person it. 3 o
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might serve as an index to his disposition and his character. The neck and throat were sometimes singularly marked. The headend the ears were also tataned, though among the Tahittane this ornament was seldom applied to the face.
Ine femalea need the tatan more sparingly than the men, and with greater taste* It was always the custom of the natives to go barefooted, and the feet, to an inch above the ankles, of the chief women, were often neatly tataned) appearing as if they wore a loose kind of sandal, or elegant open-worked boot. The arms were frequently marked with circles, their fingers with rings, and their wrists with bracelets. The thin transparent akin over the black dye, often gave to the tatau a tinge of blue.
The females seldom, if ever, marked their laces $ the figures on their feet and handB were all the ornaments they exhibited. Many suffered much from the pain occasioned by the operation, and from the swelling and inflamaatien that followed, which often continued for a long time, and ultimately proved fatal. This, however, seldom deterred others from attempting to secure this badge ef distinction or embellishment of person.
Ote account of the immoral practices invariably connected with the process of mtaning, the chiefs prohibited it altogether, and, excepting a few feseign seamen, who often evinced as great a desire to bane some figure tat surd on their arms or hands, as the natives themselves, there had not been an individual marked for some years.
In the month of July, we heard that a number, about forty-six young persons, had been masking themselves. The principal chiefs came to ask our opinion, as to what
PO&raSSlAN RXUARCHJ8. 467
they should do, there were so many of them. Formerly, they said, the disobedience of so numerous a party to any order of the chiefs, would have been considered equivalent to a declaration of war, and they should have sent armed men after them at once, and either have Blain or banished the delinquents; but now, as they had laws, they wished to know whether it would be right that they should all be tried, and, if found guilty, have the sentence annexed to the crime pronounced against them.
We told the chiefs it would not be wrong, and the next morning attended the trial. It was conducted with the greatest candour and forbearance on the part of die magistrates and accusers, and an equal degree of submission on the part of the offenders, though it appeared they had supposed that from their numbers, and the circumstance of one or two young chiefs of distinction being among them, the government would not have noticed their conduct. They were sentenced to build a certain quantity of stone-work on the margin of the sea* s
In a day or two afterwards, it was discovered that Taaroarii, the king's son, a youth about eighteen years of age, had also been tataned; and this being considered as an expression of his disapprobation of his father's conduct, and of his determination as to the conduct he designed to pursue, produced a great sensation among the people. His venerable father was deeply affected, and the Btruggle between affection for his son* and his duty to the people, was evidently strong. The latter prevailed; he directed him to be tried, and attended him to the trial: here he affectionately admonished his son to profit by his experience, and warned the spectators, telling them not to be deceived, and suppose that the
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laws, by which they had mutually agreed to be governed, would be violated with impunity. Some of the latter observed, If the king's son does not escape, what will become of the common men ?
• Taaroarii, the chief of Sir Charles Sanders' Island, and the expected successor to his father in the sovereignty of Huahine, was now obliged to dive into the sea for coral, and assist in building the portion of stone-work allotted to him. His friends and attendants performed the greater part of the labour; still there was a feeling of pride, that would not allow him to stand altogether idle. I visited his house one evening, and entered freely into conversation with him on the subject. He observed, that he was sorry for what he had done, but appeared to indicate, that he did not wish it to be thought that the work assigned him was any punishment.
• Several unsteady young men and women, who followed the example of the first party, were also tried, and sentenced to similar punishments; and afterwards two principal personages in the island, by having their bodies tataued, joined their party s these two were the son of the king of Raiatea, who was residing at Huahine, and his sister, who had been married to a member of Ma-hine's family. Their party was now strong, both in point of number and influence, and we expected that the simple circumstance of marking the person with tatau, was only one of the preliminaries of their design; and in this we were not mistaken.
In the month of August, we heard that Taaroarii, with a number of those whom the chiefs had sentenced to labour on' the public works, had left their employment, and were gone to Parea, in the northern part of the island. They told the officers of the chief appointed to
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469
superintend them, that they intended in a few days to return. The people were greatly attached to the king's son, and the officers, willing to shew him every indulgence, did not oppose his removal; hut reports were soon circulated, that he was employing emissaries to invite the disaffected to join him, with the assurance that as soon as they were strong enough, he intended to assume the government of the island, and abolish the laws—that under his reign every one should follow his own inclinations, with regard to those customs which the laws prohibited* His father being absent at Raiatea, he had judged the present a favourable time for making a vigorous effort.
* On the evening of the ninth of September, which was the Sabbath, a messenger came from the chiefs while we were engaged at family prayers, informing me that a large party of wild young men had gone to Parea, and that the son of the king of Raiatea was preparing to follow them. I went down to his dwelling-; his wife and several of his principal men were persuading him to remain, and not unite himself with those whose designs were evidently unfavourable to .the peace of the island. I mingled my entreaties with theirs, but it was of no use. His own men, finding he could not be deterred unless by violence, desisted; while a number of young fellows, like-minded with himself, urging, him to depart, he hastened after the party that had gone to Parea. As soon as Hautia, the deputy-governor of the island, heard it, he gave orders for the people to prepare to go9 and fetch them back the next day.
On the following morning, accompanied by Messrs. Darling and Bourn, I went down to the settlement about sunrise, to witness the proceedings of an assembly con-
470
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vened to consider the events of the preceding day. It was one of the most interesting of the kind I ever attended. The public council was held in the open air, on the sea-beach, in the shade of several tamanu trees, that grew in front of the governor's house, Hautia sat on a rustic native seat, near the trunk of the principal tree, The chiefs of the different districts, and the magistrates, were assembled near him, while most of the people of the settlement had gathered round to witness their proceedings, full of anxiety for the result.
It appeared from the declarations of several, that the conduct of the young men, and especially the chiefs' sons, had not proceeded from any desire to ornament their persons with tatau, but from an impatience of the restraint the laws imposed; that they had merely selected that as a means of shewing their hostility to those laws, and their determination not to regard them; that if they might be allowed, without molestation, to follow their own inclinations, no disturbance of the present sort would be attempted; but that if the restraints of the laws were imposed, and its penalties enforced, they were determined to withstand them. It was also reported that they were armed, and intended to resist all attempts to enforce their obedience.
After a short declaration, it was proposed to go and address them first with kindness, but firmness, inviting them to return; that if they accepted the invitation, well; if not, that they should attempt to bind them, and bring them back; that if they resisted, to use force, but by no means to have recourse to armB unless they should be first assaulted. This was acceded to by all present. The men repaired for their arms, and in half an hour the greater part of the inhabitants of the district aseem*
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bled ib front of the chiefs house, ready to set out as soon as he should lead them.
Before they started, Tana, a tall well-made chief; who had formerly been a warrior and a priest, and who was one of their orators, stood up in the midst, and addressed the assembly. IBs person was rather commanding, his matures masculine, his head uncorered, and his hair short, black, and slightly curled. A light mantle of finely braided bark was thrown loosely over his shoulders, and his loins were girded with a puran, and in bis hand he held a light spear.
He spoke with considerable judgment and effect. They might as well, he said, leave their weapons at homey as to any use which he expected they would be required to nuke of them, but that still it waa perhaps best to go prepared, and to shew these misguided young men, especially the king's two son*, that it was their determination to make the laws, to which they had openly agreed, the rale of public conduct, to maintain them as they were, and not to bend them to the news of those whose object was to introduce disorder and to foster crime; to let them know at once, that though they were chiefs, they, as well as their subjects, must respect the laws* or sustain the consequences. We think they will submit, (he added,) but perhaps we are mistaken, and the issue of this day is not altogether certain. God, who overrules- all events, and sometimes uses the wicked to accomplish his purposes, may, per-haps, design by them to punish and to humble us, and to give them a temporary ascendency 5 we ought there-lore to look to Him.
I do not vouch for the accuracy of the language, but these are the sentiments he expressed.
473 POLYNESIAN RBSBABCHB3.
Drawing to a close, he turned towards us, as we were Bitting on a rustic rail near the outside of the assembly, and observed, that though he apprehended there was no danger, it would be well to be prepared; for should they be overcome, although the young chiefs might be inclined to favour us, they could not restrain their followers 5 that our property would be a temptation; and that as we were supposed to have facilitated the introduction and enforced the observance of the laws, it might be necessary, in order to our safety, that we should leave the island, even before sun-set. A degree of excited animation, attended with a lively and impressive action and an impassioned feeling, which greatly affected us, breathed through the whole of his harangue, and during the latter part we could not refrain from tears. < . Shortly after Taua closed, Hautia, who was clad in a loose parau round his loins, a light and beautifully fringed purau mat thrown like a mantle loosely over his shoulders, and holding a light spear in his hand, arose, and came and took leave of us, and then set off towards Parea, surrounded by the chiefs, and followed by their adherents.
. When he rose, and gave with his spear the signal to move onward, there was an evident indication of strong excitement, which continued till they had left the courtyard, not only among those who were going, but among the women, children, and others, who were spectators. Hautia'8 wife walked on by the side of her husband; many of the other women also went to see the issue of the rencounter. We remained till all had departed.
The chiefs and their people did not proceed in one unbroken column, but, after the departure of Hautia and his companions, followed in small detached parties, con-
POLYNESIAN RBSBAmCHlS. 473
sisting of a chief* And three* four, or five of his depend* ants* Their appearance, equipment, and dress presented the most singular spectacle I ever witnessed. The symmetry of form, well-shaped and finely turned limbs and graceful steps of some, together with their tasteful, cum-berless dress, the light spear in their hand, and the excitement Of their countenance, presented a figure that could not be contemplated without admiration j and the only feelings of a different order, on beholding such an individual, were those of regret at the errand on which he was going.
There were others, however, very different in appears ance, which made the contrast the more striking; some exceedingly corpulent and heavy, others spare in habit, all arrayed in a different kind of dress from that they ordinarily WOT©, and some presenting frightful figures* Many wore a kind of turban, others a bandage of human hair, across their forehead, and round the back of the head.
The most singular bead-dress was that worn by Buhla* one of the chiefs of Maeva. It was a kind of wig, consisting of long and yellow beards, fastened in a sort of net-work fitted to the need. Whether they were the beards of vanquished enemies, that had been taken as trophies by his ancestors, as the Americans sire accustomed to preserve the scalps of their prisoners, I did not learn. The singularity of his appearance was greatly increased by two or three small whales' teeth, the roots which were attached to the net-work, wlule the points projected through the hair like very short horns; one was placed over each eye, and, I think, one over one of the ears. The other parts of his dress were altogether those of an ancient warrior; and his appearance ii. 3p
474 POtTNMJAN RB8KAACHSS.
was so singular, that I could not. forbear stopping him a moment, to examine his head-dress, and inquire about it. He informed me that the hair was the beards of men, and that the design of it was to excite terror. On my inquiring what the horny appearances were, I was informed that they were the neha or tara of taehae takUo, teeth or horns of ancient cannibals or wild men. I informed him they were young whales' teeth; but he seemed inclined to doubt it. I could not but think, as I looked at him, that he certainly had succeeded tolerably well in rendering himself a terrible object. One of his attendants, Marp, a plump-bodied, round-faced, good-natured looking man appeared in perfect contrast with his chief, and it was impossible to behold him without a smile. His person was rather stout and short, his hair was cut close to his head, the upper part of his body was uncovered, but round his waist he wore a pareu reaching to his knees. He had a drummer's jacket on, highly ornamented, and scarlet-coloured; it was, however, too small for him to get it on his back, or to pass his muscular arms through the sleeves; it was therefore fixed on the outside of his pareu, the body of the jacket hanging down in place of the skirts of a coat, while the sleeves were passed round his waist, and tied in a knot in front. His equipment was in perfect accordance with his uniform, for the only weapon that he had was a short brass-barrelled blunderbuss, called by the natives vaha rahi, or great-mouth.
Although the. events of the morning had been such as were adapted to awaken very different feelings, yet when he turned round his good-natured face to bid me fare? well, I could not forbear smiling. His person, dress, arms, and a habit of leaning forwards, which, as he
POLYNESIAN aBSBARCRBS:
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hastened by, exhibited Very fully the scarlet jacket, rendered him altogether most ludicrous in his appearance.
When the parties had all started, we returned to the valley to breakfast, but were surprised, as we passed through the settlement, to behold almost every house deserted. We inferred that those women and children who had not accompanied the men to Parea, had retired to places of greater security, or better observation. After breakfast, we spent some :time in prayer that no blood might be shed, but that the issue of the interview between the rival parties might be conciliatory." We then launched our boat, fixed our masts and rudder, twisted up our matting sails, and waited, not without anxiety, the arrival of intelligence.
The chiefs, before they left, had appointed the following signals. If there was no resistance made by the young chiefs and their adherents, all would remain quiet till they returned. If they had to fight, they would send a man to fire a musket so near the valley that we might hear it. If the rival party was numerous, and there was danger, two would be fired.
We remained in a state of great suspense during the forenoon, and hardly saw an' individual in the settlement. About twelve o'clock we heard one musket fired, and very shortly afterwards another. This - only increased our embarrassment, for although two had been fired, they had not been fired together, and, judging from the report, we inferred that one was much nearer than the other. We, therefore, determined to wait farther intimation, before we took any measures for our personal security. In this state of uncertainty we continued, supposing a conflict had certainly commenced; and that
476 FOLVNB6IAH tL9BMA»CVm*
{he twp shots we had heard, had, perhaps, occasioned an equal loss of lives*
At two o'clock in the afternoon, however, our anxiety w*b relieved by the arrival of Tauira, whom the chiefs had sent to inform us that all was peace j that Moeore, the son of the king of Raiatea, and his adherents, had tar-rendered on the arrival of Hautea, and that the parties were retiring to the settlement. The messenger was almost breathless with speed; and while resting, he united with us in rendering grateful acknowledgments for the agreeable tidings* In an hour or two, Taaurea, one of our people, arrived, and told us the reports we heard were only random shots, fired as expressions of joy, and that it had been done without Hie knowledge of the chiefs.
Towards sunset we walked to the adjoining district of Haapape, where we were happy to meet Hautia and his friends returning; the young chief, who was about six-and-twenty years of age, with his adherents, following in their train as captives. We mingled our congratulations for the issue of the events of the sbyv TVe were also thankful to learn, that although one individual had a very narrow escape, yet no life had bee* lost, and no person injured.
Two days afterwards we attended the trial ef the rebels, at a special court, held in the open air. • The conduct of each was candidly and impartially examined 3 and, as many, iVwas found, had gone merely to accompany the chief, or to procure food, without any intention of joining in the rebellion, they were liberated. The others, who had not only designed but commenced hostilities, by plundering the plantations, killing and eating the hogs of the party favourable to the laws, were sentenced to public labour, and were set to wovk in small
MCYNBSIAV USSAACHSS. 477
partita with poUccwriscers to attend them. Although they were repeatedly interrogated as to the reasons for their conduct, they said but little in reply. In the evening of the same day, great numbers of the people attended our weekly service, when I endeavoured to improve the recent painful events, from the history of Absalom's rebellion.
There have been several slight insurrections in Tahiti since the promulgation of the laws, but they have affected only a small number. Disturbances at Raiatea and Borabova, similar to the above, have occurred; at one time, Mr. Williams very narrowly escaped with his life, a plan having been fosmed for his assassination. They have not been recent, and the laws seem firmly established; but there are many, in all the islands, who find them an irksome restraint, and would most willingly, if an opportunity offered, abrogate them. Such indir viduals desire the return of the time when there was no law, and every one followed his own inclinations. In Huabine, though they have been frequently violated, I do not *h»«i* any attempt has been made to disannul them, since the one above alluded to.
The South Sea Islanders are greatly addicted to war. It occurred very frequently, prior to the introduction of Christianity. During the fifteen years Mr. Nott spent in the islands, while the people were pagans, the island of Tahiti was involved in actual war ten different times. The Missionaries were painfully familiar with it. It Burronnded their dwelling; and the wounded in battle have often, with the wounds fresh and bleeding, repaired to their houses for relief. This, however, was the only time that I saw any thing like it, though we often heard fca rumours.
478 POLYNESIAN .RJMXABCHXI.
Oro was the principal war god, but he was not the only deity whose influence was important on these occ*» sions. Tairi, Maahiti, Tetuahuruhuru, and Rimaroe, "long hand, or arm," the ancient gods of war, were all deities of the first rank, having been created by Taaroa, according to. their fabulous traditions, before Oro existed.
. In modern times, Oro'* influence has been principally sought in.every war. This they imagined was the chief object of his.attention; and when it proceeded in its bloodiest forms, it was supposed to afford him the highest satisfaction. Somewhat of his imagined character may be inferred from the fact of his priest requiring every victim offered in. sacrifice, to be covered with its own blood, in order.to bis acceptance. *
When war was in agitation, the first human sacrifice that was offered to Oro was the Matea: this was called fetching the god to preside over the mm or army. The god was brought out; when the victim was offered, a red feather was taken from: his person, and given to the party, who bore it to their companions, and considered it as the symbol of his presence: and. sanction, during their subsequent preparations. Another human sacrifice was now taken, called the Maui faatere, ** the, throwing or darting" equivalent to the public declaration of war, and such it was also considered by the opposing party. In 1808, when the late Pomare heard that Taute, his former chief minister, and the most celebrated warrior in the nation, had joined the rebel chiefs, and that the Maui faatere had been offered, and the sanction of the gods thus implored, he was. so affected that he wept; and. it was in vain that one of his orators, in alluding to this event subsequently, exclaimed, Who is Taute? He is a
POLTNBSIAN RESEARCHES. 4&9
man, and not a god, his head reaches not to the skies. Who is Taute? Hie king's spirits and courage never revived.
If it was a naval expedition, canoes were now collected and equipped, and the weapons put in order, the spears and clubs cleaned with a boar's tusk, pointed with bones of tiie sting-ray, and having been carefully polished, the handle of every weapon was covered with the resinous gum of the bread-fruit, that it might adhere to the warrior's hand, and render his grasp firm.
When the implements of destruction were ready, and this seldom occupied many days, another human sacrifice was offered, called the haea matt—the tearing of the mati wreath of peace. This was immediately before the expedition started; and if accepted, Oro generally inspired one of his prophets, who declared that the fleet or army should be victorious. On all these occasions, human sacrifices, covered with their own blood, were offered to Oro, in numbers proportioned to the magnitude of the undertaking, or the force of the parties confederated.
While these ceremonies were proceeding, national councils were held. Peace, or war, was usually determined by a few leading individuals, including the king, priests* and the principal chiefs. The prayers and sacrifices offered, oracles consulted, responses received, and councils held, were only parts of the external machinery by which, as it regarded the mass of the population, these movements were regulated. This, however, was not always the case, and peace or war was often the result of the impressions produced by the popular orators on the generalassemblies. TTiese harangues were specimens of the most impassioned natural eloquence, bold and varied in its figures, and impressive in its effects.
480
FOLYNBSfAN BBSBABCHKS.
I never had an opportunity of attending one of their national councils when the question of war was debated, under all the imposing influence imparted by their mythology, whereby they imagined the contention between the gods of the rivals was as great as that sustained by the parties themselves. A number of the figures and expressions used on these occasions are familiar, but* detached and translated, they lose their force. From what I have beheld in their public speeches, in force of sentiment, beauty of metaphor, and effect of action, I can imagine that the impression of an eloquent harangue, delivered by an ardent warrior, armed perhaps for combat, and aided by the influence of highly excited feeling, could produce no ordinary effect; and I have repeatedly heard Mr. Not! declare, (and no one can better appreciate native eloquence,) he would at any tune go thirty miles to listen to an address impassioned as those ho has sometimes heard on these occasions.
When war was determined, the king's 0*4 or herald, was sent round the island, or through the districts dependent on the parties, and all were required to arm, and repair to the appointed rendezvous. Sometimes the king's flag was carried round. The women, the children, and the aged, called the ohua, were either left in the village, or lodged in some place of security, and the men hastened to the field.
Their arms were kept with great care, hi high preservfe* tkm. In some of the houses, on our arrival in the Lee* ward Islands, especially in the dwelling of Fenuapehcy the chief of Tahaa, every hind of weapon was in suck order, and so carefully fixed against the sides of the house, that the dwelling appeared more like an armoury than m domestic abode. Many a one, whom the summons from
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481
the chief has found destitute in the morning, has been known to cut down a tall cocoa-nut tree, finish his lance or his spear, and join the warriors at the close of the same day. The chief of each district led his own tenantry to the war—reported, on his arrival, the number of men he had brought—and then formed his buhapa, or encampment, with the rest of the forces.
A number of ceremonies still remained to be observed. The priests were important personages in every expedition, their influence with the gods was considered the means of victory, and they received a proportionate share of consideration. The first service of this kind was called the taamu raa ra—the binding of the sacredness or supernatural influence; and while the chiefs and warriors had been employed in the preliminaries of war, the priests had been unremitting in their prayers that the ra atua, &c. the influence of the gods, &c. might be turned against their enemies, or that the gods would leave them defenceless. When their prayers were successful, it was supposed that the gods of their enemies left them, and came to the party by whom they were thus implored, and, entering the canoes, clubs, spears, and other weapons of their army, insured its triumph. As a compensation for this important service,' the chiefs assembled; a quantity of cloth, mats, and perhaps a canoe, was spread before them, surmounted by a branch of the sacred mtro, and a few red feathers, emblematical of the tutelar gods. The priests were then sent for, and the whole presented from the heads of the army by an orator, the' burden of whose address was—"This is the recompense for your fatigue in imploring the aid of the gods by night and by day."
A second ceremony followed, called fatraro: a large if. 3q
48*
POLYNESIAN RSSKARCHKS*
quantity;of.doth,.mate,iicc.,were given to the priests, that they might persevere in their labours. This "was succeeded by a third, of the same kind, called the kaameii, in which* in addition to the other,kinds of property, a number of fine pdgev each distinguished by a distinct name, were given to the. priests, that they might redouble their vigilance to induce their, owa $jods .to.keep with idem, and; the gods -of: their ^enemies to forsake those enemies, $tnd, by means of the weapons, of those who novr sought their iavctuy to exert their power against the parties they Jia4> formeely aided.
VhtiUmifiireiaMkMiha^^he building, of;the house of Manaha-^wasfcb*mostaihgular ceremony. Itwas designed far the abode of the gods kid spirits* who thefjr supposed fought with them, and whom they desired to havenear at hand* > la order to'propitiate tile gods,, a human sacrifice: was offered.. TWwoirk was begun/ and the house must be 4ni*he&iftiohe day, on. which day.every tadwidujd must Abstain from .all kinds of food* Into this house the Umh9 Offiniages of the Spirits, were sometimes taken;, but although the priest odways ottered his grayer here, the gods were, usually'left in their sadoed. temples, and only a feather was taken* from tjjeir images,; which they sup* posed t* be endowed with all Uiteir power, - The lastTetigiousf ceremony^-prior to the commence* meat of twsiflict, was the hauaumava... Slight temples were erected in the seeded cahues of Oro, and the other gods.- in these,the red'feathers taken from the idols Were deposited; they were ctfted mmmttkhi no Ibm, toe. or single bird of Tame j all ith'e gods were supposed to be present, having been brought from their elysuui abodes by the prayers of the priests. There was a kind of intermediate race of beings, between men and gods,
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
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who were employed as messengers, to fetch the latter in cases of emergency; each god had his-own messenger, hovering about the habitations of men, in the shape of a bird or a shark. When the priest by prayem sought lite aid of these gods, they imagined that the. messenger aet off to the place of the god's abode* somewhere in fern* papa, near wtfce foundation of the world*" and made the usual declaration—Jtfa» hatrc ite aoe.tamae H te a&, " Come to the world* or state of light, there is war in the world." f ' . « » J
The sacred feathers being deposited in the temporary maraes erected in the canoes, -a large number stf the finest hogs they could procure were killed, and baked'in the temple on shore, the heads cutoff, and'placed on a small altar in tte canoe, before the symbol of the idol's presence* The remaining part of the body was eaten by the priests, and those who feasted on the sacrifices. Whether they fought by sea or on shore, as their principal engagements were near the' shore, ajfleet usually accompanied the army, and on boati} the canoes.thie principal idols were generally kept, The arrangements being now completed,'with the symbols- of their gojty and the offerings they made^ they speedily set out ibr the combat, confident of victory. ' < '-*•
Nuu and papaupea Were the terms usually employed to designate an army, though it is probable the formes was applied principally to an army,? or fleet, filled. with fighting' men, and the latter to an army on shore,: toge*-tber with the multitude that followed for the purposes of plunder. Their armies must formerly have been large 9 when Captain Cook was there in 1774, he supposed the fleet to consist of not fewer than- 1700 canoes,1 each carrying forty men; making altogether 6000 fighting
484
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
men. I think, however, there must have been some mistake in his calculation. In the last war but one, in which the people of Huahine were engaged with those of Raiatea, at the battle of Hooroto, in the latter island, according to the testimony of Mahine, the present king of Huahine, who was there, and whose father was the general of the forces, the fleet consisted of ninety ships, or war-canoes, each about one hundred feet long, filled with men, who, besides their ordinary arms, possessed the two guns left with Mai by Captain Cook, from the use of which they expected an easy victory. This was one of the most sanguinary conflicts that had occurred for many years. Tenamia, the king of Huahine, went down to avenge the cause of Ohunehaapaa, whose son is still living in Raiatea. Ohunehaapaa had been banished by the Raiatean chiefs, and the chiefs and people of Huahine undertook to reinstate him. The Windward fleet anchored at Tipaemau, when the Raia-teans fled to Tahaa. The Huahinean chief sent to demand from Tapaa the surrender of the land. This was refused, and both parties prepared for battle. Next day the hostile fleets met near Hooroto, and a most bloody and obstinate engagement ensued; both parties lost so many, that when piled up, on the day after the battle, the dead .bodies are said to have formed a heap as high as the young cocoa-nut trees. They still determined to persevere till one party should be destroyed. Mauai, a native of Borabora, inspired by Oro, intimated his will that they should desist. An armistice was concluded ; the warriors of two districts of Huahine, Fare-ton, and Fareihi, being comparatively uninjured, sailed over to Tahaa, for the purpose of plunder. They, however, met with a more determined resistance than they
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485
had expected, and were not only repulsed, but almost cut off. Mato, the father of the present king of Huahine, and general of the army, was slain. Hie survivors were glad to return to their own island, and the Raiateans were too much enfeebled to prevent them.
In this war, the greater part of the chiefs and warriors of the Leeward or Society Islands were destroyed. The.island of Huahine never recovered from the shock of this murderous conflict.
Hie slaughter of the routed army was continued till the evening closed on the scene of murder and of blood, or until the fugitives had either reached their fortifications and strongholds in the mountains, or had eluded tiie pursuit of their enemies. When the men went to battle, the women generally remained; but some of them fearlessly attended their husbands to the field, and either followed in the rear, or fought in the midst of the ranks. They carried the same kind of weapons as the men, but frequently used only their nails and their hands. Many were slain in the field, or during the retreat.
The flags of the gods, or the emblems of the idols, were carried to the battle, to inspirit the combatants, but the marshal banners they employed were hoisted on board the different fleets. Rude and harsh kinds of music were sometimes heard in their canoes, but I do not know that they were used by the armies on shore.
It is a singular fact, that although they left their images in their respective temples, no offerings were presented after the haumanava had been performed, and no sacrifice was deposited on the altars of any of the temples, lest the gods should hereby be induced to forsake the army, and remain behind.
486
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
Tamai is the general term for war, in all its diversified forms; the same word is also used to denote quarrelling ; aro is the term for battle. The modes of attack and defence were various, and regulated by chxumstances t there was either the am wrt, skirmishing of' advanced portions of each army, or an orato, close engagement, when they fought hand to hand. Tiie general divisions of their army having been stated in the account of the battle of Bunaauia, it is needless to repeat them? in ad* dition to these, there was the corps of reserve*
The forces were marshalled for the fight by the principal leader, who was.said to tiawi U dro, 'shape or form the battle; when this waa accomplished, the signal was given, and with deafening shouts and imprecations they rushed with bold and mflnaxahgimpetuosity to «, or join jn combat. Sometimes their attacks were made by night; but then they generally bore a nana, or torch: To am* buacades they seldom had recourse, though:they oeca>-sionally adopted what was called the mno nee, or: attadc by stealth, . ;m '
When their modes of attack were deliberate, the cele* brated warriors of each army marched forward beyond the first line of the body to which they belonged, and, on .approaching the ranks of the enemy, sat down on the sand or the grass. Two or three from one of these parties would then rise, and advancing a few: yards towards their opponents, boastfully: challenge fhem'lfe the combat. When die challenge was accepted, which was often with the ntmpst promptitude, the combatants advanced with intimidating menaces.
These often addressed each other by recounting their names, the names and deeds of; their ancestors, their own achievements in combat, the prowess of their arms,
POLYNESIAN RSSBABCHSS.
*si
and' the augmented. fame1 they should, acquire by the addition of their present foes to the number *rf those they had already slain; in conclusion, inviting them to advance,.that they .might be devoted to their god, who was hovering by to receive the sacrifice. With taunting acorn the antagonist would reply much in the same strain, sometimes .'mingling affected pity with his denunciations. When they .had -finished their harangue, the 'omoreaa, dub? of inanity or insulting spear,,was raked, and the onset commenced. Sometimes it was a single combat, fought in the space between two armies, and in sight of both. .. .
At other tunes, several men cngageu on both 'sides, when thosendt engaged^ though fully armed and-equipped, kept their seat on the ground. If a single combat* when one was /tisabledVor slainy the victor would challenge another; .and seldom thought iof retreating, so long as one remained.. When a number were engaged, and one fell, a; WAirior ifom &* own party roan, and maintained the struggle; wjien either party to treated, the Tanks of the army, to which it belonged rushed forward to sustain it; Ahkbrouj^the^pbsing army on, and from a single eambattior 'a? skinrfisbylt became a general engagement. The conflict was. carried on with the roost savage fury, such as 'barbarous warriors might be expected to* evihce~-Jwho< imagined the gods, on whom their destinies depended, had actually entered into their weapons, giving predfefcm, and force to their blowB, direction to their missiles, and imparling to the whole a supernatural faMIity.
The din and clamour of the deadly fury were greatly augmented by the efforts of the Ratiti. These were the orators of battle. They were usually men of command-
488 POI.rNBSIAN REMABCHBS.
ing person and military prowess, arrayed only in a girdle of the leaves of the ti-plant round their waist; sometimes carrying a light spear in the left, but always a small bunch of green ti-leaves in the right hand. In this bunch of leaves the principal weapon, a small, sharp, serrated, and barbed airofai, (bone of the sting-ray,) was concealed, which they were reported to use dexterously when in contact with the enemy. The principal object of these Rautis was, to animate the troops by recounting the deeds of their forefathers, the feme of their tribe or island, and the interests involved in the contest. In the discharge of their duties they were indefatigable, and by night and day went through the camp rousing the ardour of the warriors. On the day of battle they marched with the army to the onset, mingled in the fury, and hurried to and fro among die combatants, cheering them with the recital of heroic deeds, or stimulating them to achievements of daring and valour.
Any attempt at translating their expressions would convey so inadequate an idea of their original force, as to destroy their effect. " Roll onward like the billows—break on them with te haruru o te tai, the ocean's foam and roar when bursting on the reefs—hang on them as U trtra mau tai, the forked lightning plays above the frothing surf—give out the vigilance, give out the strength, give out the anger, the anger of the devouring wild dog,—till their line is broken, till they flow back like the receding tide." These were the expressions sometimes used, and the recollection of their spirit-stirring harangues is still vivid in the recollection of many who, when any thing is forcibly urged upon them, often involuntarily exclaim, " TM Eauti teia" this is equal toaRauti.
POLTNB8IAN UBSBARCBBS. 499
If the battle continued for several successive days, the labours of the Rauti* were so incessant by night through the camp, and by day amid the nnfca in the field, that they have been known to expire from exhaustion and fatigue. The priests were not exempted from the battle, they bore arms, and marched with the warriors to the combat.
Hie combatants did not use much science in the action, nor scarcely aim to parry their enemy's weapons; they used no shield or target, and, believing the gods directed and sped their weapons with more than human force upon their assailants, they depended on strength more than art for success. Their clubs were invariably aimed at the head, and often, with the ]0senge*shaped weapon, they would tapmyOT cleave, the skulls of their opponents* Their spears they directed against the body, and the mam was often a deadly thrust, piercing through the heart
When the first warrior fell on either side, a horrid shout of exultation and of triumph was raised by the victors, which echoed along the line, striking a panic through the ranks of their antagonists, it being considered an intimation of the favour of the gods towards the victorious parties* Around the body the struggle became dreadful; and if the victors bore him away, he was despoiled of his ornaments, and then seised by the priests, or left to be offered to the gods at the close di the buttle*
The first man seized alive was offered in sacrifice, and called te mataahaeham 7baroo—the first rending of the root* The victim was not taken to the temple, but laid alive upon a number of spears, and thus borne on men's shoulders along, the ranks, m the rear of the army, it. 3 a
490 POLYNESIAN RBSBABCHBft.
the priest of Oro walking by the side, offering his prayer to the god, and watching the writhings and involuntary agitation of the dying man. If these agonies were deemed favourable, he pronounced victory as certain. Such indications were considered most encouraging, as earnests of the god's co-operation.
When a distinguished chief or warrior fell, the party, to which he belonged, retired a short distance, collected some of their bravest men, and then, in a body, with fury and revenge rushed upon, their. antagonists, to vote toto> clear away the blood. The shock was terrific when they met the opposing ranks, and numbers frequently fell on both sides.
During the engagement, the parties often retreated, so that there was a considerable space -between the ranks in these seasons, as when advancing to the onset. The slingers were then employed, and they often advanced in front of the ranks to which they belonged, and with boasting threats warned their enemies to fly or fall. The most dangerous missile was the wriU or stone, from the ma or sling. The latter was prepared with great.care, and made with finely braided fibres of the cocoa-nut husk, or filaments of the native flax, having a loop to fasten it to the hand at one end, and a wide receptacle for the stone in the centre. The sling was held in the right hand, and, armed with the stone, was hung over the right shoulder, and caught by the left hand on the left side of the back. When thrown, the sling, after being stretched across the back, was whirled round over the head, and the stone discharged with great force.
The most expert slingers were celebrated through the islands, as well as the most.renowned among the warriors ; and when one of these presented himself, a cry ran
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS. 491
through the opposite ranks. Beware, or be vigilant, e of ax man o mea—an adhering stone is such a one; or e ofai tamo e ofai buai—a sure or a powerful stone is such an one. The stones, which were usually about the size of a hen's egg, were either smooth, being polished by friction in the bed of * a river, or sharp, angular, and rugged; these were called ofai oro—faced or edged stones. When thrown with any degree of elevation, they were seen and avoided, but they were generally thrown horizontally four or five feet from the ground, when they were with difficulty seen, and often did much execution. The slingers were powerful and expert marksmen.
492
POLYNESIAN KESBAftCBVS.
CHAP, XVII.
Singular custom of the ehiefc hi marching to battle—Sanguinary and exterminating chancier of th^enanga^nn^Ba«4attonof thaa^nlry —Estimation in which fighting men were held—Wcnp<ms—Dines Or-uainents—Various kinds of helmet, Sic—Ancient arms, Ice. superseded by the introduction of fire-arms—Former ideas respecting the mnsket, &c«—Divination or augury—8«rage and merciless conduct of the tictora —Existence of wild men in the mountains—Account of one at Buaaanln who had fled from the field of tattle—Treatinent of the capthres and tha slain—Division of the spoil, and appropriation of the conntry—-Maritime warfare—Encampments—Fortifications—Instance of patriotism-Methods of concluding peace—Religious ceremonies and festivities that followed—Present sentiments of the people in reference to wan-Triumph of the principles of peace—Incident at Rurntn.
TflK custom of the warriors sitting on the ground to wait for the combat, was not the only singular practice of the Tahitians in proceeding to battle. There was another, which they called pito. When two leading chiefs marched together to the onset, they not only walked side by side, but arm in arm. In this manner, Pomare-Yahine, and Mahine, the chiefs of Huahine and Eimeo, marched to the battle of Narii. This was designed to shew their union, and that they would conquer or fall together. When a single chief led on his own men, he also walked in pUo with his principal aito or warriors, two on each side, the nearest to him haying hold of his arms. On approaching the enemy they separated, but fought near the person of their chieftain,
POUTVWIAN R1SBAICBBS. 49ft
whote life it was considered their special duty to defend, at the exposure of their own.
The battle sometimes terminated by both parties retreating, to recover, and prepare for a fresh campaign, but it was more frequently continued till the flight of one party left the other master of the field.
The carnage and destruction which followed the/off or breaking, and hea or dying, of one of the armies, was dreadful. It was called tahata, and in it the gods were supposed to engage as well as the men. TTiose who were vi, or beaten, fled to their canoes, or to their port* or fastnesses in the mountains, while the victors, who were called upoatia, erect heads, pursued them with reckless slaughter. A prostrate warrior, as he lay at the feet ci his antagonist, wounded or disarmed, would perhaps supplicate mercy, exclaiming ZMttia fau 90 on* wau—Spare me, may I live. If the name of the king or chief, of the victor, was invoked, the request was often granted ? but frequently a reproach or taunt, and a deadly blow or thrust, was the only reply.
Such waa the implacable rage with which they carried on the work of destruction, that victory on the field did not satisfy them $ they repaired to the villages and other places, where the wives, children, etc* of the vanquished had been left for security, and satiated their rage with most affrighting cruelty.
By whatever considerations civilised and enlightened nations may be influenced in the practice of war, and upon whatever principles they may desire to conduct it, war, barbarous, murderous unrelenting war, is the delight of savages j and among no portion of the most cruel and warlike of the human race has it perhaps prevailed more extensively, or proved a greater scourge, than among the
494 POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
interesting inhabitants of the islands of the Pacific. With the Society and Sandwich Islanders, it has, since the introduction of Christianity, ceased. In the Friendly, Figi, and other groups, it still prevails: in the Marquesas, and New Zealand, it rages with unabated violence, and spreads devastation and wretchedness among the infatuated and hapless people.
Among the Society Islanders, in consequence of the influence of the climate, luxurious mode of living, and effeminacy of character, induced thereby, the obstinacy and the continuance of actual combat were not equal to that which obtained in other tribes; yet we learn from the frequency of its occurrence, and the deadly hatred which was cherished, that the passion for war was not less powerful with them than with the New Zealand** or the Marquesian; and its consequent cruelties and demoralization were perhaps unequalled in any other part of the world. Their wars were most merciless and destructive. Invention itself was tortured to find out new or varied modes of inflicting suffering; and the total extermination of their enemies, with the desolation of a country, was often the avowed object of the war. This design, horrid as it is, has been literally accomplished: every inhabitant of an island, excepting the few that may have escaped by flight in their canoes, has been slaughtered; the bread-fruit trees have been cut down, and left to rot; the cocoa-nut trees have been killed by cutting off their tops or crown, and leaving the stems in desolate leafless ranks, as if they had been shivered by the lightning.
Their wars were not only sanguinary, but frequent; yet from a variety of ceremonies, which preceded the expeditions, they were seldom prompt in commencing
POLYNESIAN RBSJBARCHBS.
496
hostilities. What they were prior to the first Tisits of foreigners, we have not the means of correctly ascertaining, but since that time, the only period during which correct dates can be affixed to events in their history, the short and simple annals of Tahiti are principally filled with notices Of destructive wars; and the effects of desolation still visible, prove that they have not been less frequent in the other islands.
The occasions of hostility were also at times remarkably trivial, though not so their consequences. The removal of a boundary mark; the pulling down of the king's flag; the refusing to acknowledge the king's son as their future sovereign; speaking disrespectfully of the gods, the king, or the chiefs; the slightest insult to the king, chiefs, or any in alliance or friendship with them; with a variety of other more insignificant causes—were sufficient to justify an appeal to arms, or an invasion of the offender's territory with fire and spear. Although there were no standing armies or regular troops in the South Sea Islands, nor any class of men exclusively trained and kept for military purposes, war was followed as a profession as much as any other, and considered by many as one to which every other should be rendered subservient.
Provision for war was attended to when every other consideration was disregarded. In the perpetration of the unnatural crime of infanticide, boys were more frequently spared than female children, solely with a view to their becoming warriors. In all our schools, we were surprised at the disproportion between the boys and the girls that attended, and at the small number of women in the adult population; and on inquiring the cause, were invariably told that more girls than boys
496 FOLYNUSIAW fcJWKAItCinfe.
were destroyed, because they would, if spared, be coin* paratively iiseleM in war. War therefore, being esteemed by the majority as the most important end of life, every kind of training for battle was held in the highest repute.
In times of war, all capable of bearing arms, were called upon to join the forces of the chieftain to whom they belonged, and the farmers, who held their land partly by feudal tenure, were obliged to render military service whenever their landlord required it. There were, besides these, a number of men celebrated for their valour, strength, or address in war, who were called aifo, fighting-men or warriors. This title was the result of achievements in battle; it was highly respected, and proportionably sought by the courageous and ambitious. It was not, like the chieftainship and other prevailing distinctions, confined to any class, but open to all; and many from the lower ranks have risen, as warriors, to a high station in the community.
Originally their weapons simple, and formed
of wood; they consisted of the spear, which the natives called patio or too, made with the wood of die cocoa-nut tree, or of the otto, iron-wood, or casuarina. It was twelve or eighteen feet long, and about an inch or an inch and a half in diameter at the middle or the lower end, but tapering off to a point at the other. The spears of the inhabitants of Rurutu, and other of the Austral Islands, are remarkable for their great length, and elegant shape, as well as for the high polish with which they are finished.
The omore, or club, was another weapon used by them; it was always made of the <rifo, or iron-wood, and was principally of two kinds, either short and heavy like a
POLYNESIAN BJBnMmCHBS, 497
bludgeon, for the purpose of dose combat, or long, and furnished.with abroad lozenge*shaped blade. The Tahitians did Hot Often earve or ornament their weapons, but by the inhabitants of the Southern Islands they were frequently Very neatly, though partially, carved. The inhabitants of the Marquesas carve their spears, and ornament them with human hair ;* and the natives of the Harvey Islands, with the Friendly and Figiian islanders, construct their weapons with taste, and carve them with remarkable ingenuity.
The paeho was a terrific sort of weapon, although it was principally used at the fova, or seasons of mourning. It resembled, in some degree, a club; but having the inner side armed with large shark's teeth, it was more frequently drawn across the body, where it acted like a* saw, than used for striking a blow. Another weapon of the same kind resembled a short sword, but, instead of one blade it had three, four, or five. It was usually made of a forked aUo branch) the central and exterior branches, after having been pointed and polished, were armed along the outside with a thick line of sharks' teeth, very firmly fixed in the wood. This was only used in close combat, and, when applied to the naked bodies of the combatants, must have been a terrific weapon. The bowels or lower parts of the body were attacked with it, not as a dagger is used, but drawn across like a saw.
They do not use the patio, or dagger, of the Sandwich Islands, but substitute an equally fatal weapon, the aero fai) or back-bone of the stinging ray, which being ser-
• This practice correspond* with that of the Malayans, among whom Dr. Buchanan saw a chief, the top of whose spear was ornamented with a tuft of hair, which he had taken from a vanquished foe, as he lay dying or dead at his feet.
II. 3s
496
POLYNESIAN RRSBARCHKS.
rated on the edges, and barbed towards the point, is very destructive in a dexterous hand. Some of the natives of the Palliser Islands used the ihiy javelin or short spear, while fighting at a distance.
The dress and ornaments of the warriors of Tahiti, and the adjacent islands, were singular, and unlike those of savage nations, being often remarkably cumbersome. Their helmets, though less elegant and imposing than the fine Grecian-formed helmet of the Hawaiians, were adapted to produce considerable effect. Some of the Tahitians wore only a fillet or bandage round the temples* but many had a quantity of cloth bound round in the form of a high turban, which not only tended to increase their apparent stature, but broke the force of a blow from a club, or a thrust from a spear.
The most elegant head-dresses, however, were those worn by the inhabitants of the Austral Islands, Tubuai, Rnrutu, &c. Their helmets were considerably diversified in form, some resembling a tight round cap, fitted closely to the head, with a light plume waving on the summit. Those used by the natives of Tubuai, and High Island, resembled an officer's cocked hat, worn with the ends projecting over each shoulder, the front beautifully ornamented with the green and red wing and tail feathers of a species of paroquet. The Rurutuan helmet* is graceful in appearance, and useful in the protection it affords to the head of the wearer.' It was a cap fitted to the head, and reaching to the ears, made with thick stiff native cloth, or a cane frame-work. The lower part of the front is ornamented with bunches of beautiful red and green
* A„Rurutuan helmet, a number of spears, a paeho, and many of the implements of war here described, hare been deposited in the Missionary Museum, Austin Friars, London.
POLYNtMAN RB8BARCHB8.
490
feathers, tastefully arranged, and above these a line of the long slender tail-feathers of the tropic, or man-of-war bird, is fixed on a wicker frame; the hinder part of the cap is covered with long flowing human hair, of a light brown or tawny colour, said to be human beard; this is fastened to a slight net-work attached to the crown of the helmet, and, being detached from any other part, often floats wildly in the wind, and increases the agitated appearance of the wearer
On each side, immediately above the ears, numerous pieces of mother-of-pearl, and other shells, are fastened, not as plates, or scales, but depending in a bunch, and attached to the helmet by a small strong cord, similar to those passing under the chin, by which the helmet is fastened to the head. These sheik, when shaken by the movements of the wearer's head, produce a rattling noise, which heightens the din of savage warfare.
The Rurutuan helmet, though more complete and useful, was far less imposing than the fau worn by the Georgian and Society Islanders. This was also a cap fitted closely to the head, surrounded by a cylindrical structure of cane-work, ornamented with the dark glossy feathers of aquatic birds. The hollow crown frequently towered two or three feet above the head, and, being curved at the top, appeared to nod or bend with every movement of the wearer.
This was a head-dress in high esteem, and worn only by distinguished men, who were generally sought out by the warriors in the opposing army. To subdue or kill a man who wore a fau, was one of the greatest feats. I have been often told, by a gigantic man who resided some time in my house, and was one of the warriors of Eimeo, that when the army of the enemy has come in
606 POLYNESIAN RWBNimnHfW.
flight, they used to look out for the feu rising above tho rest of the army, and when they have seen one, pointing to it, animate each other by the exclamation, "The man with the fau; ha! whosoever shall obtain him, it will be enough." But, however imposing in appearance these high helmets may have been, they afforded no defence j and although formed only of cane-work and feathers, must have been cumbersome.
The slingers, and the most light and agile among the fighting men, wore, in battle, only a maro, a loose mantle, or ahubu.
Some of the fighting men wore a kind of armour of net-work, formed by small cords, wound round the body and limbs, so tight, as merely to allow of the unencumbered exercise of the legs and arms, and not to impede the circulation of the blood. This kind of defence was principally serviceable in guarding from the blows of a club, or force of a stone, but was liable to be pierced by a spear. In general, however, the dress of the Tahitian warriors must have been exceedingly inconvenient. To make an imposing appearance, and defend their persons, seem to have been the only ends at which they aimed j differing greatly in this respect from the Hawaiian*, who seldom thought of guarding themselves, but adopted a dress that would least impede their movements.
The Tahitians went to battle in their best clothes, and often had the head, not only guarded by an immense turban, but the body enveloped in folds of cloth, until the covering was many inches in thickness, extending from the body almost to the elbows, where the whole was bound round the waist with a finely braided sash or girdle. On the breast they wore a handsome military
VOLTWMIAH SSSJBABCJUb).
601
gorget, ingeniously wrought with mother-of-pearl shells* feathers, dog's hair, white and coloured*
Their ancient dresses and weapons have, since their intercourse with Europeans, been superseded in ft great degree by the introduction of common to-arms, the bayonet, and the sword* Pupuhi is the general name for gun* Puhi signifies to blow with the mouth, pupuhi to blow repeatedly* and this name has been given to a musket, from the circumstance of the foreigners, whom the natives first saw firing* bending down the head on one side to take aim, and bringing the mouth nearly in contact with the piece, into or through the barrel of which they supposed the person blew,, and thus produced the explosion | hence it ie called the blower*
They imagined that the first ships they saw were islands; their inhabitants supernatural, vindictive, and revengeful beings. The flag of one of the first Teasels hanging from the ship into the water, a native approached* and took a piece of it away; this being perceived* he was fired at, and wounded, as they all supposed* by the thunder.
When we consider this, we shall not be surprised at their ideas of the source of motion in the ball. The opinion of its being Mown from the mouth of the musketeer* has long been corrected; still the name is retained* and A cannon is called pupuhi ferma, to blow land, or country, from its gontenU spreading over a wide tract of country* the musket they call pupuhi roa, long gun; the blunderbuss vafiarafc, wide or great mouth; the pistol* pupuhi teuumuj a swivel*pupuhi tioi, turning gun; the bullets or balls they call ofui, or stones. Arms, ammunition* and ardent spirits, were formerly the principal articles in demand by all classes; and being the most valuable kinds
£02
FOLTNK8IAN RBSBARCHB6.
of barter, they maintained a high price. Ten or twelve hogs, worth at least from one to two pounds a head, was, for a long time, the regular price of a musket; and one hundred pigs hare been paid for a cannon. I hare seen upwards of seventy tied up on the beach, at Fare as the price of a single old cannon, which had been preserved from the wreck of an English vessel, at- another island. These articles have, however, long ceased to be in demand among the Tahitians.
It does not appear that their wars were more sanguinary and cruel when they fought at a distance with muskets, than when they grappled hand to hand with club and spear* The numbers killed might be greater, but fewer were wounded. • Although familiar with the musket during their last wars, they are by no means expert marksmen; they understand little about taking aim, and often fire without placing the but-end of the musket against the .shoulder, or presenting their piece. They grasp it in the most awkward manner, holding it above the head, or by the side, and in this singular position fire it off. I was once with a party of natives, when one of them fired at a bullock but a few yards distant, and missed it.
War was seldom proclaimed or commenced with promptitude, being always considered as one of the most important matters in which the nation could engage. Hence the preparatory deliberations were frequent and protracted.
The greatest importance was always attached to the will of the gods: if they were favourable, conquest was regarded as sure; but if they were.unfavourable, defeat, if not death, was as certain. Divination, or enchantment, was employed for the purpose of knowing their
POLYNESIAN RBSBARCHBS.
503
ultimate decision, and at these times they always pretended to follow implicitly supernatural intimation, though all this juggling and contrivance was designed only to deceive the people into a persuasion that the god sane* tioned the views of the king and government. The divinations were connected with the offerings, and the success or failure of the expedition was often chiefly augured from the muscular action in the heart or liver of the animal offered, or the involuntary acts and writhing contortions of the limbs of the human sacrifice in the agonies of death.
When the murder and destruction of actual conflict terminated, and the vanquished sought security in flight, or in the natural strong-holds of the mountains, some of their conquerors pursued them td their hiding-places, while others repaired to the villages, and destroyed the wives, children, infirm and afflicted relatives, of those who had fled before them in the field. These defenceless wretches seldom made much resistance td the lawless and merciless barbarians, whose conduct betrayed a cowardly delight in torturing their helpless victims. Plunder and revenge were the principal objects in these expeditions: Every thing valuable they destroyed or bore away, while the miserable objects of their vengeance were deliberately murdered. No age or sex was spared. The infant that unconsciously smiled in its mother's arms, and the venerable gray-haired father or mother, experienced unbridled and horrid barbarity. The aged were at once despatched; though embowelling and every horrid torture was practised. The females experienced brutality and murder, and the tenderest infants were perhaps transfixed to the mother's heart by a ruthless weapon—caught up by ruffian hands, and dashed against the rocks of the trees—or
504
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES.
wantonly thrown up in the an-, and caught on the point of the warrior's spear, where it writhed in agony and died. A spear was sometimes thrust through the infant's head from ear to ear, a line passed through the aperture, and when the horrid carnage hat been over, and the kindling brand has been applied to the dwellings, while the flames hare crackled, the dense columns of smoke ascended, and the ashes mingled with the blood from the victims, the cruel warriors hare retired with fiendish exultation* some bearing the spoils of plunder, some having two or three infants hanging on the spear they bore across their shoulders, and others dragging along the sand those that were strung together by a line through their heads, or a cord round their decks.
When those who had been vanquished in the field did not return to battle, but remained in their strong-holds, another religious ceremony was performed by the con' querors, called the flora. A large quantity of property, the spoils of victory, was taken to the priests of Oro, partly as an. acknowledgment for past success, but chiefly to encourage them to increased intercession that die destruction the god had commenced might not cease tUl their enemies were annihilated, for their wars were wars of extermination.
One singular result of their dreadful wars is, the existence of a number of wild men inhabiting the fastnesses of the interior mountains of Tahiti. I have not heard of any having been seen in any other island, but they have been more than once met with in the neighbourhood of Atehuru. When I visited this station in 1821,1 saw one of these men, who had been some time before taken in the mountains, and was comparatively tame, yet I shall not soon forget his appearance. He was above the middle
POLYNESIAN RBSgARCHBS.
505
Bize, large-boned, but not fleshy. His features am} countenance were strongly marked, his complexion was not darker than those of many around, but his aspect was agitated and wild. His beard was unshaven, and his hair had remained uncut for many years. It appeared about a foot and a half in length, in some parts perhaps longer. He wore it parted in the middle of his forehead, but hanging uncombed and dishevelled on the other parts of his head. On the outside it was slightly curled, and hung in loose ringlets. The colour was singular; at the roots, or close to his head, it was dark brown or black, six inches from.his head it was of a tawny brown, while the extremities exhibited a light and in some places bright yellow. Many attempts had been made to persuade him to have it cut, but to this he would never consent.
. His only clothing was a maro, or girdle, with sometimes a light piece of cloth over his shoulder. His nails* for the sake of convenience, he had cut. He said but little, and though he came and looked at us once or twice, he seemed averse to observation, and retired when I attempted to converse with him. He had been driven to the mountains in a time of war, had remained in solitude for years, had been at length discovered by persons travelling in these regions, secured, and brought down, where with great difficulty he Jbad been induced to re* main. Mr. Darling said, he was very quiet, but appeared uninterested in most of what was passing around him. It is supposed that, during his solitude, he was under a degree of insanity, probably from the effect of the fright with which he had fled from battle.
Since Mr. Darling's residence at Bunaauia, others have been seen in the mountains, and one was secured by the
II. 3 T
«*
POXVKRSIAN RJSSnAAOHBS.
people of Burdens Point, They had gone to the moon* tains for food or timber, and suddenly perceived amin approaching. Am. soon as he saw them, he fled precipitately.; they followed, and, by lying in wait, ultimately succeeded in securing him* When spoken to, he did not. reply* ai*4 swmed not to understand. They led hint down to the shore. He evinced tfee greatest i honor at the sight of men, hut they took him to the chief's house, treated him with kindness, and avoided crowding round him. Food and water were Drought, which he refused. The. first night, they kept watch} the next day, although they placed food before him, he refused it,.and maintained the moat entire silence. During the second night, he escaped from the house, fled to the mountains, and has never since-been heard of. He did not appear to he aaV vanced in years, was without clothing when taken, and, although a finely formed man, exhibited one of the most afflicting spectacles it was possible to behold.
It .is supposed that, under the panic which seated those who were defeated in some of. the battle* that within the last fifty years, have been fought in these portions of the island, he had fled to the mountain fastnesses in its more central parts,, and perhaps had experienced a degree of mental aberration which had deprived him of memory, and had induced him to wander like a demoniac among the lonely rocks and valleys. It is reported by the natives that others have been seen, and that someof the.inhahjtrt ants of the lowlands have been in danger of .taiflg.their lives from coming in contact with them., After the evidence of the facts above-mentioned, we cannot doubt the existence of such unhappy victims; but at the same, time, the circnmetanc&oi. their being so seldom seen, warranto the hope that they.are.not numerous*
FOX.TNMIAM aBSBAKCHB*. 507
The captives taken in war, called fes or HH, Were murdered on the spot, or shortly afterwards, unless reserved for slaves to ihe victors. The bodies of the slain were treated in a most savage manner. They were pierced with their spears, and at times the conduct of the vie* ton towards their timfess bodies was inconceivably barbarous.
On the day following the battle, the bmre taata was performed. This consisted in collecting the bodice of the slain, end offering them to Oro, as trophies of Us prow* ess, and in acknowledgment of their dependence upon his aid. Prayers were preferred, imploring a continuance of his assistance.
The bodies were usually left exposed to the elements, and to the hogs or wild dogs that preyed upon them.—* The victors took away the lower jaw-bones of the most distinguished among the slain, as trophies, and often some of the bones, converting them into tools for building canoes with, or into fish-hooks* Sometimes they piled the bodies in a heap, and built the skulls into a kind of wall around the temple, as at Opoa, but they were commonly laid in rows near the shore, or in front of the camp, their heads all in the same direction. Here the skulls Were often so battered with the clubs, that no trace of the countenance or human head remained.
In addition to the preceding indignities, their bodies were sometimes laid in rows along the beach, and used as rollers, over which they dragged their canoes, on landing, or launching them after a battle. We do not know that the TahHians ever feasted on the bodies of the slain, although this is practised by the Marquesian* on the one side, and the New-Zealander* on the other—by the inhabitants of the Dangerous Archipelago In,the
508 JPOLYNBSIAK RB8BAECHE8.
immediate neighbourhood of the Georgian Islands in the east, and in several of the Harvey Islands in the west— especially Aitutake, where it continued until, the abolition of idolatry in 1828. .
Here the warriors were animated to the murderous combat by allusions to the inhuman feast it would furnish at the close. In New-Zealand, it is stated that a warrior has been known, when exulting over his fallen antagonist, to sever his head from his body, and, while the* life-blood has flowed warm from the dying trunk, to scoop it up in his hands, and, turning to his enemies with fiend-like triumph, drink it before them.
Besides the atore, embowelling, which was frequently inflicted, they sometimes practised what they called tiputa taata. When a man had slain his enemy, in order fully to satiate his revenge, and intimidate his foes, he sometimes beat the body flat, and then cut a hole with a stone battle-axe through the back and stomach, and passed his own head through the aperture, as he would through Ae hole of his tiputa or poncho; hence the name of this practice. In this terrific manner, with the head and arms of the slain hanging down before, and the legs behind him, he marched to renew the conflict. A more horrific act and exhibition it is hot easy to conceive of, yet I was well acquainted with a man in Fare, named Taiava, who, according to his own confession, and the declaration of his neighbours, was guilty of this deed during one of their recent wars.
Other brutalities were practised towards the slain, which I never could have believed, had they not been told by the individuals who had been engaged in them, but which, though I do not doubt their authenticity, are improper to detail. I should not have dwelt so long on the
POLYNESIAN M8RAECHBS. 509
distressing facts that have been given, but to exhibit in the true, though by no means strongest colours, the savage character and brutal conduct of those, who have been represented as enjoying, in their rude and simple state, a high degree of happiness, cultivating all that 1b amiable and benevolent.
The bodies of the slain being now abandoned by the victors, they turned their attention to the division of the spoils of the vanquished, and the appropriation of the country, &c.. In. connexion with this, the rani arua was performed, and was indeed considered as a part of the ceremony of devoting the slain to the gods, A human sacrifice was procured, and offered, principally to secure the return of the occupations and amusements of peace; feasting, dancing, &c. The burden of the prayer was— IkUavae aua i tepo, Eoonui arena homai te ao, &c. and which may be rendered, " Let the god of war return to the world of night: Let Roo the god of peace preside in the world, or place of light," &c.
The local situation of the people, and their familiarity with the sea, led them to feel at home upon the water, and on this element many of their bloodiest battles were fought* A description of their pakis, or war canoes, has been already given. Their fleets were often large. The Huahinian expedition, according to the account of those still living who were in the battle of Hooroti, amounted to u ninety ships, each twenty fathoms long/1 on which it is probable a number of smaller canoes Were in attend* ance. When the engagement took place within the reefs, the canoes were often lashed together in a line, the stem of one being fastened to the stern of the other before it^ This they called apt, and adopted it to prevent the breaking of their line, or retreat from the combat. The opposing
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POLVNUSIAH linillCMlB.
fleet was, perhaps, lashed or fastened in the same way; and thus the two 'fleets, presenting one continued line of canoes, with the tevas or streamers flying, were paddled out to sea, the warriors occupying the platform raised for their defence, and enabling them to command each part of the canoe.
.At* distance, atones were slung; on a nearer approach, light spears or javelins wase Jrarled, uauil they came close alongside of each other, when, under Hie influence <of rage, inmtuation, ambition, or despair, .-they iought wish the most obstinate and desperate fury.
It is not easy to imagine a conflict more sanguinary and horrid than theirs must hare been. Although the victors, when ftuttmi*d or supplicated, sometimes spared the fallen, it was rarely they gave any quarter. Retreat there was none—and, knowing that death or conquest must end the fray, they fought under the power of desperation.
At times, both fleets retired, as was the case atHooroto; but when victory was evidently in favour of one, the warriors in that fleet sometimes swept through the other, slaughtering all who did not leap into the sea, and swim toward the canoe of some friend in the opposing fleet. I have been informed by some of the chiefs of fiuabine, who have been in their battles, that they have seen a fleet towed to the shore by the victors, filled with the wounded and the dead—the few that survived being inadequate to its management.
When the canoes of a fleet were not fastened together, as soon as the combatants perceived they were over* powered, they sought safety in flight, and, ifpursuedy abandoned their canoes on reaching the shore, and hast* ened to their fortress in the mountains.
POLYNESIAN RBSSAECHSS)
511
They did not enclose their temporary encampments in the ©per* field, hut each party* considered a fortification aa a security against invasion, and* refuge alter defeat in the field.
Their places el defence ware rocky iortrcesea improved by artr—narrow denies or valley* aheltered by projecting cmiamrss pasnfo among the mountains*difficult of access, yat> allowing their imnatea a secure and extensive range* and an unobstructed passage to acme spring or stream. The celebrated Pare* in Atehuruy was of thin kind; the mouth.of the valky in which it was situated wasbuik up with a stone wait andt