SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC HABITS

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wisdom of the chief) may be first noticed, since theyoccupied the position of counsellors or prime ministers,and were continually consulted when the chief requiredadvice. Occasionally this official filled the office ofshell-blower or trumpeter, walking, like the Songa,before the chief when on a journey, carrying a conch-shell, which he blew continually to announce theirapproach. They were also employed as special mes-sengers, and on difficult negotiations. The Songaperformed the duties of barber, cup-bearer, trumpeter,and special messenger. Whenever the chief chose toundergo the torture, the Songa clipped off his beardwith a couple of cockle-shells, and also, as occasionrequired, was expected to futipongaisn, or pluck thehair from his master’s nostril. When he officiated ascup-bearer he seated himself before the chief, and onbeing required to hand the cup, held it to be filledby another official, and then presented it to his master.This office was a very privileged one, since the Songamight indulge with impunity in any jocose behaviourhe chose, or appear in any dress, whether much orlittle, much after the manner of the old English jester,or court fool.

O le Salelelisi (the quick flyer) appears, however,to have more especially sustained the office of jester,or court fool; and a high-chief’s retinue was not con-sidered complete without one of this class, who enjoyedeven greater license as to behaviour than the Songa.Persons of this class belonged to one particular villageof Upolu; but individuals of their number roamedabout, attaching themselves to various chiefs as theirinclination led them.