364 Memoirs Bcrnicc P. Bishop Miiscuni 



all four sides. Square utensils appear to have been unknown, those which were 

 not round being oval or oblong. In most of the oblong specimens the sides are 

 more or less convex, the difference between them and the oval forms lying in the 

 degree of flattening at the ends. 



Two specimens of a very curious oblong type not observed elsewhere were 

 seen in the Valley of Hanapaoa, Hiva Oa. These utensils were flat bottomed, 

 with shallowly convex sides and ends which met in well marked angles. The 

 whole form bore a remarkable resemblance to the type of food dish commonest 

 among the Haida of the Northwest Coast of North America. The utensils were 

 evidently of recent manufacture and the natives could give no name for the type 

 and were uncertain whether it was ancient. 



Oblong trays and dishes appear to liaA-e been in rather common use in 

 ancient times, although few specimens have survived. Those seen were provided 

 with low vertical sides and almost flat interior bottoms. The exterior was 

 smoothly rounded. The troughs for beating popoi are really very large oblong 

 trays (p. 352). 



Several well marked types of oval dishes may be distinguished, of which 

 the long narrow flat ended containers, called toto. are the most important. Ex- 

 cept for the proportions of the different parts and the inward curve of the sides 

 toward the rim, the form of these utensils is almost identical with that of the 

 underbodies of the large built up canoes. The ends of the vessel are straight, the 

 sides convex, so that the greatest width is in the center. The sides also show 

 a vertical convexity, and the maximum width of the utensil both internally and ex- 

 ternally is about midway between the bottom and rim. (See PI. Lx, B.) 



Most of the toto are large. Bowls long enough for a man to lie in are 

 remembered by the older natives. The smallest example seen was 18 inches long, 

 with a maximum central width of 8-)^ inches. Usually no handles were used 

 with this type, but this small specimen was provided with a handle consisting of 

 two loops of sennit passed through holes bored vertically in the corners and tied 

 together above the center. 



Toto are said to have been used principally for the transportation of pre- 

 pared food at the time of feasts, and according to natives their shape was de- 

 signed to make them easier to carry upon the shoulders. They were carried 

 transversely, resting upon both shoulders and the nape of the neck, the bearer's 

 head being bowed upon his chest. 



Small oval kava bowls, with nearly parallel sides and rounded or pointed 

 ends appear to have been fairly common and probably constitute a distinct type. 

 Some of these bowls were provided with a suspension loop or handle attached 

 to the center of one side. (See PI. lx, A, 2-3.) 



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