The word take, as expressing a nation or a race, is probably an archaism of the Polynesian language; its condensed and modern form being tai, as I find the latter form used interchangeably with the former in some of the meles, as Aai-tai for Ani-take, Ahee-tai for Ahee-take. The word tai occurs with the same meaning in the Tonga Islands, where this expression is common—Kai Fiti, Viti people: Kai Tonga, Tonga people; in Hawaiian, kakai, a family. The older word, take, is found, however, in several places: “Ai-tu-take,” an island of the Hervey group, and “Oni-take,” a place on said island; “Vaetake,” a bay in Uahuka, one of the Marquesas Islands.
In the mele of Te mohoina o Papanui, Tiki is called the first man: “O Tiki to matou Motua, oia te enate mua”: This is Tiki Matoho and his wife Hina, or Tiki Matoho is a namesake of the first Tiki. [[266]]
[1] The traditions of the inhabitants of Viti are those given by G. L. Domeny de Rienzi, L’Univers Pittoresque, Vol. 3, Paris, 1836. [↑]
[2] Material relating to the Fijians is from “Fiji and Fijians,” by Rev. Thos. Williams, New York, 1859. [↑]
[3] Information in regard to New Zealand traditions is obtained largely from L’Univers Pittoresque, by G. L. Domeny de Rienzi, Paris, 1836, and Polynesian Mythology, by George Grey, London, 1855. [↑]
Legend of Hawaii-loa.
COMPILED AND CONDENSED IN ENGLISH
FROM
KEPELINO AND S. M. KAMAKAU.
According to an old Hawaiian tradition the alii of the genealogy direct from Kane were called “ka hoalii” and “he ’lii poni ia” (anointed chiefs), anointed with the “wai niu a Kane,” and thus became “na ’lii kapu-akua.” The chiefs below them in rank were called “he ’lii noa” (not anointed), but were still chiefs of the “iku-nuu,” they could succeed to the government of the land and were then called “he Moi.”