MS cook's voyage to march, 



portioned, and the whole beautifully polished. This 

 figure the natives called Maee ; and round it were 

 placed thirteen others of rude and distorted shapes, 

 which they said were the Eatooas of several deceased 

 chiefs, whose names they recounted. The place was 

 full of whatfa€j on which lay the remains of their 

 offerings. They likewise give a place in their houses 

 to many ludicrous and some obscene idols, like the 

 Priapus of the ancients. 



It hath been remarked, by former voyagers, that 

 both among the Society and Friendly Islanders, an 

 adoration is paid to particular birds ; and I am led 

 to believe, that the same custom prevails here ; and 

 that, probably, the raven is the object of it, from 

 seeing two of these birds tame at the village of 

 Kakooa, which they told me were Eatooas ; and, 

 refusing every thing I offered for them, cautioned 

 me, at the same time, not to hurt or offend them. 



Amongst their religious ceremonies may be reck- 

 oned the prayers and offerings made by the priests 

 before their meals. Whilst the ova is chewing, of 

 which they always drink before they begin their 

 repast, the person of the highest rank takes the lead 

 in a sort of hymn, in which he is presently joined by 

 one, two, or more of the company; the rest moving 

 their bodies, and striking their hands- gently together, 

 in concert with the singers. When the ava is ready, 

 cups of it are handed about to those who do not join 

 in the song, which they keep in their hands till it is 

 ended; when, uniting in one loud response, they 

 drink off their cup. The performers of the hymn are 

 then served with ava, who drink it after a repetition 

 of the same ceremony; and, if there be present one 

 of a very superior rank, a cup is, last of all, presented 

 to him, which, after chanting some time alone, and 

 being answered by the rest, and pouring a little out 

 on the ground, he drinks off. A piece of the flesh 

 that is dressed is next cut off) without any selection 

 of the part of the animal; which, together with some 



