Page:An account of the natives of the Tonga Islands.djvu/212

146 which he meant to reside during his stay : the Vavaoo people were forbidden to carry any offensive weapons, whilst those of Hapai were ordered to be under arms, and to keep them- selves on the alert. Two or three days after this funeral cere- mony, the king summoned a private meeting in his presence of the chiefs of Hapai, and those of Vavaoo, when the latter swore allegiance to Finow with their hands placed upon a conse- crated bowl *, whilst cava was being mixed in it, invoking the god, Tooi fooa Bolotoo, to whom the bowl was consecrated, and praying him to punish them with untimely death if they should afterwards break their vow, or har- bour any thoughts to that intent. The cava was then shared out, and the king informed the Vavaoo chiefs, that thenceforth they were to consider Toe Oomoo, (his aunt), as their law- ful chief, and to pay respect to her as such, at her cava ceremonies: they accordingly pro- mised all due submission and obedience to their newly appointed chief ; after which the pose to make cava in, for the ceremonies of that god only (Tooi fooa Bolotoo), being used on no other occasion. If a great chief takes an oath, he swears by the god, (laying his hand upon the consecrated bowl) ; if an inferior chief takes an oath, he swears by his superior relation, who, of. course, is a greater chief, and lays his hand upon his feet.
 * The bowl is held consecrated because it is kept on pur-