CHAPTER VI

AMUSEMENTS, TRADES, AND EMPLOYMENTS OF SAMOA

Of amusements indulged in by the Samoans nonewere more popular than the dances, of which there werefive kinds. The greatest favourite was the Po-ula (nightof play or pleasure). This was an obscene night dance,and a constant source of enjoyment, especially whenany visitors were present to take part in it. As theevening set in, the spectators as well as dancers beganto assemble, after much care had been bestowed upontheir dresses and general make-up. The only coveringof the males consisted of the titi, or girdle of leaves,often not more than seven or eight inches in width, andabout the same in depth, whilst that of the females con-sisted of a white or red shaggy mat around the loins,the upper part of the body being uncovered. Bothsexes paid great attention to their hair, that of themales being long and allowed to hang loosely over theshoulders, whilst the females, who wore their hair short,stiffened it with pulu, breadfruit pitch, or else dressedit with a pomade of a certain kind of light-coloured clay,which was afterwards washed off with lime water, thusdyeing the hair to a much-coveted brown colour. Arm-