BOXING MATCHES. 
209 
of the Areois, and was with them, as boxing* is 
every where, savage work; though, considering 
the rude and barbarous state of the people, who 
had little idea of influence or power, but as con¬ 
nected with their gods, or with mere brute 
strength, we are not surprised that it should have 
existed. The challenge was given in the same 
way as in wrestling; but when the combatants 
engaged, the combat was much so'Oner ended, and 
no time was spent in sparring or parrying the 
blows. These were generally straight-forward, 
severe, and heavy; usually aimed at the head. 
They fought with the naked fist, and the whole 
skin of the forehead has been at times tom or 
driven off at a blow. No one interfered with 
the combatants while engaged ; but as soon as 
either of them fell, or stooped, or shunned his 
antagonist, he was considered vanquished, the 
battle closed, and was instantly succeeded by the 
shouts and dances of triumph. 
These barbarous sports, though generally fol¬ 
lowed by the common people, were not confined 
to them ; other classes sometimes engaged ; chiefs 
and priests were often among the most famous 
boxers and wrestlers. These games were not only 
dreadfully barbarous, but demoralizing in their 
influence on the people, who would set up a shriek 
of exultation when the blood started, or the van¬ 
quished fell senseless on the sand. They were 
also often fatal. Metia , a taura no Oro . priest of 
Oro, who resided at Matavai, was celebrated for 
his prowess, and slew two antagonists, a father 
and a son, at one of these festivals, in Taiarapu. 
Considering the brutalizing tendency and the fatal 
results of boxing and wrestling, we cannot but 
rejoice that they have ceased with that system of 
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