POLYNESIAN LANGUAGES.) Religion.—Religious observances were an established part of the life of these islanders, and through the gods, the chiefs and priestcraft wielded much power. The same gods in slightly vary ing forms were common to all the groups. The attributes of these gods differed widely, also the forms of worship. The old gods, such as Tangaroa, god of the sea, Ra, the sun god, Io, the supreme, being probably familiar to their ancestors, prior to the migration from India, became over-shadowed by gods of later creation, locally evolved in the islands, and dealing more directly with the needs of everyday existence, and sun worship survived in out of the way places in the Pacific, which is additional proof of the Indonesian origin of these people. Material reproductions of these "great gods" were seldom made, although a fine wooden figure of Tangaroa is possessed by the British Museum. The Polynesian rendered homage to a lesser class of gods, who were more nearly approachable and were the patrons of his daily acts of life. For the Polynesian, most inanimate objects had a "soul," the Atua or spirits had considerable power, and their help was sought as intermediaries with the great gods. The souls of great people occupy a similar position in the world beyond, and may be in voked by the living. Thus thousands of native gods came into existence, any curious shaped stone or tree might become the residence of a spirit to which offerings of fruit and pigs would be made, human bodies were in some groups a necessary adjunct at all important religious festivals. (See ANIMISM, MANA.) Social Structure.—Society was remarkably well organized, chieftainship was hereditary and women held rank according to their birth; descent was invariably through the father, although the reverse is in evidence as one approaches the border of Poly nesia. The supreme chief held unlimited power, derived in great measure from his association with the gods, and on occasions undertook the role of the divinity himself. Below the ruling caste were the landowners, whilst in Tonga and Samoa the artizan class was well organized and esteemed. The various trades they engaged in were recognized and they formed a close guild, whose members were also hereditary. Social conditions varied consider ably, and when the chief occupation of the men was fighting, these trades were not so elaborated ; considerable etiquette surrounded the chiefs, general assemblies were held, and the proceedings were orderly. Cannibalism was not generally practised, except in New Zealand and the Marquesas; in the former it was certainly of a comparatively late introduction. The finest technical produc tions were those of cannibals, for the native Maori and Marquesan art is easily superior to anything in the Pacific. As a people con versant with the stone-working craft, although lacking metal massive stone sanctuaries were erected, dedicated to various gods, a high conception of future life was prevalent, the spirit being required to undergo certain trials before admittance to its final abode. After death the body was dealt with in several ways, cave burial was practised where circumstances permitted. Mummifica
tion has been reported from Samoa, Tahiti and rarely from New Zealand, whilst the remarkable system of Tabu (q.v.) was in vogue throughout the whole area, resting entirely in the hands of the chiefs and priests. This power was enormous, and it perme ated the life of the people. The elaboration of this remarkable social institution is evidence of its antiquity. From the pounded root of the kava plant (Piper mythisticum) a slightly stimulating drink was universally prepared. Its use was a subject of much ceremony, and the proceedings at these functions were attended with strict decorum.