Note 24 — CONTENTS (continued 4)

It is difficult to arrive at a clear meaning of the word lau to these several offerings to propitiate the demigod Kamapuaa. The adjective lau following the noun gives it a qualifying character readily understood in some things but not in all, as for instance: referring to the pig the term kumu lau, a sow, would apply, and the fish, ia, might be the lauhau. Had the adjective preceded the noun the word would then indicate quantity, 400, which would be natural in connection with idolatrous offerings, though even in such a case it is untenable that Olopana should augment his opponent’s forces with men to this extent, if at all. ↑