Note 4 — Chapter II · CEREMONIAL CUSTOMS

When the older men decide that it is time for a boy who has been abstaining from turtle to be released from the restriction, a turtle-hunting expedition is arranged, and this is continued until a fair number of good turtle are captured. The best of these is selected, killed, and cooked. The youth is seated in a hut, either that of his parents, or one placed at his disposal by a friend or one specially built4. All his ornaments are removed. (In the case of a girl one belt of Pandanus leaf is retained.) He is seated on leaves of the Hibiscus tiliaceus, or if these be not obtainable, on those of the Myristica longifolia, and a bundle of the same leaves is placed under his folded arms so as to cover his belly, while another bundle is placed at his back where there is some sort of rest provided for him to lean against. He must sit still with folded arms and with legs stretched out in front, the two big toes clasping each other. He sits facing towards the open sea, and a fire is placed near him, generally just beyond his feet.