The Melanesians

CHAPTER III.

SOCIAL REGULATIONS. CHIEFS.

Chiefs recognized by visitors. Their power in the Solomon Islands, Banks Islands, and New Hebrides now known as Vanuatu. The absence of history and tradition. A remarkable exception at Saa. The origin of that settlement. Chiefs in that location and the hereditary element of leadership. Chiefs in Florida Island; in the Banks Islands. The alternation of dominance among kinship groups. Chiefs in the New Hebrides and Lepers' Island now known as Ambae Island . . . . . . . . . 46–58

CHAPTER IV.

PROPERTY AND INHERITANCE.

General consensus regarding property and succession. Divisions of land: forest, gardens, and villages. The sale of land. Ownership of fruit trees. The trend of inheritance passing from father to son. The Solomon Islands and Florida Island. Land and personal property. The Banks Islands: the reclaiming of a father's land, the sale of land, and wills. The New Hebrides: Pentecost Island and Lepers' Island . . . . . . . . . 59–68

CHAPTER V.

SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.

The widespread presence of secret societies in Melanesia. Differences from Australian mysteries; no "Making young men" referring to specific puberty initiation rites found in Australia ceremonies. Social significance. The exclusion of women. A prominent feature of indigenous life. The Banks Islands: Tamate meaning "ghosts", masks, badges, and meeting houses. Salagoro a sacred enclosure or society; hats, mysterious sounds, admission, the isolation of new members, and social liberties. Smaller societies. Qatu a secret society named after a legendary figure; dances and initiation. The New Hebrides and Aurora Island now Maewo. The handiwork of "ghosts." Indigenous accounts of initiations and dances. Pentecost Island and the Qeta a secret society. The Solomon Islands and Florida Island: the Matambala a powerful secret mystery; its origin, indigenous accounts, and the end of the secret tradition . . . . . . . . . 69–100

CHAPTER VI.

SOCIETIES. CLUBS.

The prominent presence of these societies in the Torres Islands, Banks Islands, and New Hebrides. The Gamal the communal clubhouse; the club itself, known as the Suqe. Ranks and social significance. Mota in the Banks Islands: images and hats. Santa Maria and the Torres Islands. Admission and promotion in rank; methods and procedures. Feasts and dress. Women's clubs. Kolekole a festival or ceremonial performance; decorations, charms, and the feast of deliverance. The New Hebrides: Aurora Island and Lepers' Island. Ranks and titles. Pentecost Island . . . . . . . . . 101–115