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 Ika-hurihuri[37] (twisting fish). First bite with your teeth my forehead, next bite with your teeth my tahito[38] (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.”
[pg 54]
“But how shall I know him?”
Then the father said, “He will not be unknown to you.”
“Ho! some one will kill me on the way.”
“Not so. You will go in safety along the sea-shore.”