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They have several Exercises, among which Wrestling and throwing the Javlin are the Most Common — they are very expert wrestlers both Men & Weomen but never Box tho this diversion is Common at Ryeatea and the other Islands — When they Assemble to Wrestle as they do at all publick Feasts, a ring is made, into which the Wrestlers being come walk round. Clapping with the Right Hand on the Bend of the left Arm which is bent so as to bring the Hand to the Breast, making a loud din. If any has a Mind to accept the Challenge He returns it with a Clap and puts Himself in a posture to receive His Opponent and they Close immediately. If either finds the other too strong for him he signifies it, and they part — if Not one Must fall, and the Weomen of the Victors Party Strike up a dance & song, the Victor Clapping round the ring till another takes him up while the Vanquishd retires peacably, thinking Nothing of His disgrace — they generally Wrestle One district against another and the Weomen always wrestle first, but are more vicious then the Men and Cannot bear to be worsted. At this Sport Eddea and her Sister are always first, and often come off with Victory and Eddea always directs the Ceremony & fixes the Number of falls that must be Wrestled, and which ever side attains the Number first are declared Victorious and the Wrestling being finnishd Dancing takes place among the Weomen and the Men go to throw the Javlin.
Their Javlins are from 8 to 16 feet long, being made of Wands of Poorow with the Bark stripd off, and pointed with the Fwharra or Palm tree; with these they Heave at a Mark at 30 or 40 Yards distance with Great exactness & Count their Game by the Uppermost Javlin which has held in the Mark, which is mostly part of the Plantain Stock. Their Method of throwing is under handed, poising the Javlin on the fore finger of the left hand while they
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Indigenous Histories |  |
© Derived from the 1935 Print Edition edited by Owen Rutter, page 222, 2004
Published by kind permission of the Library
To cite this page use: https://paulturnbull.org/project/southseas/journals/-morrison-097.html