3G 
THE ABORIGINES OF GUIANA. 
think they have secured all, they begin to dance round their fair prizes, and at another signal, the women are at liberty to try and 
make their escape ; but the men quickly pursue those whom they have selected for their share, and if fortunate enough to recapture 
them, they are led back in triumph to the circle, and then all dance round in the usual step. It is a most animating scene, from the 
swiftness exerted on both sides ; by the female to escape, who if she succeed is loudly applauded by her own sex ; by the man, to capture, 
as they express themselves, a Macusi slave. 
W ARRAU DANCE AT OREALA. 
The Paiwori in taste resembles our malt liquor, and when taken in large quantities is intoxicating ; it has not however the 
injurious effects of spirituous liquors; but the scenes which accompany such a drinking bout beggar all description. Disgusting as 
the preparation of this beverage must prove to an European, when presented to him as a pledge by his host, it will be necessary to conquer 
whatever aversion he may feel and to drink of it ; the contrary would offend the Indian and awaken distrust. 
The funeral ceremonies of the Indians of Guiana differ in some respects, according to the tribe to which the deceased belonged. 
If a man of consequence die among the Warraus, he is put into a canoe in lieu of a coffin, and all which he possessed when alive, 
such as bows, arrows, clothes, beads. See. are buried with him ; on his heart they place a looking-glass. They frequently kill the 
favourite dog of the deceased, and put it with him into the grave. He is buried in the house which he inhabited, and a fire kept 
burning on the spot for many nights. His relations assemble and bewail his loss with excessive and outrageous lamentations, and this 
is renewed at different times, and continues many months. The widow of a Warrau and his children become the property of his 
brother or next male relation ; however, should the widow refuse him, the incensed relations frequently satisfy themselves by subjecting 
her to a violent flagellation, after which she may live with whom she pleases. 
The ceremonies of the Arawaaks are similar to the above. Upon the demise of a man of some standing, the relations plant a 
provision-field with cassada roots, and bewail him with sudden outbursts of lamentation. After the period of twelve moons, the relations 
and friends of the deceased are called together, and the cassada, which was planted at the time of his death being now ripe, the guests 
are feasted with Paiwori and game. A dance is performed over his grave, and the dancers flagellate each other with whips prepared 
for that purpose, which they hang up in the hut of the deceased when the ceremony is over. About six moons later, another dance 
follows, when these whips are buried, and with them the remembrance of the dead, as well as any resentment which they might have 
felt in consequence of the severe flagellation which they have inflicted upon each other. 
The Caribs put the body into a hammock, where it is daily washed by the wives or nearest female relatives; and watched, that 
it be not molested by beasts of prey or insects. After it has become putrid, the bones are cleansed, painted, and put into a pacal 
or basket, and carefully preserved. If they abandon this settlement, the bones are consumed with fire, and the ashes collected, and 
taken with them. The women who cleanse the bones are considered unclean for several moons. 
The Indians undoubtedly possess some religious principle amongst them, and believe in the immortality of the soul. They 
acknowledge the existence of a superior Divinity, but say, that the urgent business of keeping the world in order, prevents him from 
paying that attention to man, which he would otherwise afford, and numerous evil spirits are thus permitted to exercise a pernicious 
influence over mankind, thereby causing sickness, death, and misfortunes. In order to counteract this influence resource is had to 
the sorcerer, or Piaiman, who by incantations or magical ceremonies pretends to restore health, or to turn the evil from such of his 
dupes who pay him well for his supernatural agency. It is therefore evident, that this individual exercises the greatest power over 
a community, and is regarded with awe and respect. 
It is scarcely necessary to observe, that a subject so replete with interest as the present state of the original inhabitants of 
Guiana, deserves more attention than the philanthropic public of Great Britain has hitherto afforded it. The indifference with which 
