Polynesian Researches
CHAP. XV
CHAP. XV
Tahitian prophets—Ancient predictions relative to the arrival of ships—Traditions of the Deluge corresponding with the accounts in sacred and profane writings—General ideas of the people relative to death and a future state—Death the consequence of Divine displeasure—State of spirits—Miru, or heaven—Religious ceremonies for ascertaining the causes of death—Embalming—The burying of the sins of the departed—Singular religious ceremony—Offerings to the dead—Occupation of the spirits of the deceased—Superstitions of the people—Otohaa, or lamentation—Wailing—Outrages committed under the paroxysms of grief—Use of sharks' teeth—Elegies—The heva—Absurdity and barbarism of the practice.
PLATES IN VOL. I.
Head of Pomare | to face the Vignette Title. |
Vignette Title, Fishing by Torchlight. | |
Map of Polynesia | page 1 |
WOOD ENGRAVINGS.
Bread-fruit Tree | page 37, 38 |
Fishing Canoe | 148 |
War Canoe | 153 |
Skreened Canoe | 157 |
Single or Island Canoe | 162 |
Adzes | 177 |
Cloth Mallet | 180 |
Tahitian Pillow | 189 |
Tahitian Stool | page 189 |
Wooden Dish | 191 |
Tahitian Drums | 194 |
Trumpet Shell | 196 |
National Temple | 341 |
Altar and Offerings | 346 |
Altar and Unus | 351 |
Tahitian Idols | 355, 356 |