64 MAUSOLEUMS. [PART I. 



Another characteristic of these carvings is evi- 

 dently symbolical of the vis genitrix of the male or 

 female originals, and they are intended also to cele- 

 brate the prowess and resources of a tribe. We 

 can trace these emblematic meanings in the carvings 

 throughout Polynesia and the Indian Archipelago, 

 and even in India itself; and they are evidently 

 among the most ancient and primitive symbolical 

 representations, and gave rise to solemn ordinances 

 in the religions of ancient Greece and Rome. 



When buried in a mausoleum, either the body is 

 left to slow decay, emitting a horrible smell through 

 the village, or an after-visitation takes place, at 

 which the tohunga sings the funeral ode, or pihe, 

 modified according to the circumstances of the 

 death, whether in battle or by disease ; T and he 



1 I give here the Pihe, as it was given to me, through the 

 kindness of a missionary lady at Kaitaia. It differs in some points 

 from the version communicated in Professor Lee's Grammar. 



Papa te watitiri Te toto roiai koe 



I runga nei E wano 



Ko ana ka na pu Wano wano wano wano 



Heaitu Mai toki haumie 



Ko riri rongo mai kaheke Ka riri Tu 



[Tatara te wai puna Ka nguha Tu 



Tea kouru Ka wewehi Tu 



Ko nga ngana Ka wawana 



Ko a pa rangi Tu atu 



Ko kapiti ho Raro pouri ai] 



Ko kapiti hono Ka taka Hokianga nui ai 



Te ata o te taua Ka taka te waro 



Te hihihiki Pipi ra u e ru koia 



Te rama rama Pipi ra u e ru koia 



Te weti te weta Kia kotikotia 



