Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/40

Rh numerous class; and the remainder may be considered the cannaille, or vulgar multitude.

But little is known of the religion of these people; the chief objects of their adoration are the sun and moon; with the stars they are well acquainted, and have names for a great many of them; the moon, how ever, is their favourite deity. They believe it to be the abode of a man, who, at some distant period, paid a visit to New Zealand, and who they believe is still very anxious for its welfare and that of its inhabitants.

The annexed plate represents an ornament formed of the green talc I before mentioned, which they intend for a likeness of this protecting deity. It is worn round the neck of both sexes, particularly during times in which peril is apprehended.

When paying their adoration to the rising sun, the arms are spread and the head bowed, with the appearance of much joy in their countenances, accompanied with a degree of elegant and reverential solemnity: The Rh