Page:Maori Religion and Mythology.djvu/67

This page has been validated.
CH. v.
OF OLDEN TIME.
53

arrives, turn my face to the light of day, and disinter my papa-toiake.[1] When I arise you will be noa (free from tapu.)

If clubs threaten to strike,
You will see to it—Yes, yes.
If a war party is abroad,
You shall strike—Yes, yes."

Having thus said, Tama-te-kapua died, and was buried by his son on the summit of Moehau.

The three years enjoined by Tama were not ended, when Tuhoro commenced cultivating food as formerly; so the sacred remains of his father turned against him, and he died.

A short time before his death, his sons, Taramainuku, Warenga, and Huarere, assembled in his presence. Whereupon Tuhoro said, "Your younger brother must bury me." So the younger son was called. Ihenga came and sat beside his father in his sacred house, who thus instructed him: "When I am dead, carry me out of the house, and lay me out naked to be your Ikahurihuri[2] (twisting fish). First bite with your teeth my forehead, next bite with your teeth my tahito[3] (perineum). Then carry me to the grave of your grandfather. When I am buried, go to Maketu."

"Why must I go to Maketu?"

"That your uncle may perform the ceremonies to remove your sacredness."

  1. Lower extremity of the spine.
  2. Omens were gathered from the movement of the dead body. The word fish or canoe is often used symbolically for a man.
  3. The perineum and head are considered the most sacred parts of the human body.