1773' ROUND THE WORLD. 25 



vails. The men are tattowed from the middle of the 

 thigh to above the hips. The women have it only on 

 their arms and fingers ; and there but very slightly. 



The dress of both sexes consists of a piece of 

 cloth, or matting, wrapped round the waist, and hang- 

 ing down below the knees. From the waist, upwards, 

 they are generally naked ; and it seemed to be a 

 custom to anoint these parts every morning. My 

 friend Attago never failed to do it ; but whether out 

 of respect to his friend, or from custom, I will not 

 pretend to say ; though I rather think from the latter, 

 as he was not singular in the practice. 



Their ornaments are, amulets, necklaces, and brace- 

 lets of bones, shells, and beads of mother of pearl, 

 tortoise-shell, &c, which are worn by both sexes. 

 The women also wear on their fingers neat rings 

 made of tortoise-shell, and pieces in their ears about 

 the size of a small quill ; but ear-ornaments are not 

 commonly worn, though all have their ears pierced. 

 They have also a curious apron made of the outside 

 fibres of the cocoa-nut shell, and composed of a number 

 of small pieces sewed together in such a manner as 

 to form stars, half-moons, little squares, &c. It is 

 studded with beads of shells, and covered with red 

 feathers, so as to have a pleasing effect. They make 

 the same kind of cloth, and of the same materials, 

 as at Otaheite ; though they have not such a variety, 

 nor do they make any so fine ; but as they have a 

 method of glazing it, it is more durable, and will resist 

 rain for some time, which Otaheite cloth will not. 

 Their colours are black, brown, purple, yellow, and 

 red ; all made from vegetables. They make various 

 sorts of matting; some of a very fine texture, which 

 is generally used for clothing ; and the thick and 

 stronger sort serves to sleep on, and to make sails for 

 their canoes, &c. Among other useful utensils, they 

 have various sorts of baskets ; some made of the same 

 materials as their mats ; and others of the twisted 

 fibres of cocoa-nuts. These are not only durable, but 



VOL. III. Q 



