Page:The Melanesians Studies in their Anthropology and Folklore.djvu/126

104 unless indeed they have entered very young, have had their early steps bought for them, and have been very prosperous in their undertakings. The higher steps are occasion of large popular gatherings and feasts, with songs and dances, and come near to the kolekole hereafter to be described; there are hats also and images appropriated to these highest ranks.

The number of ovens and ranks varies in different islands; the people of each think their own Suqe the correct one; but all acknowledge the value of the respective ranks, though they may be attained under very various conditions.

In the Banks' Islands the Suqe of Mota has many steps and ovens, all av-tapug. Beginning with the lowest: (1)