| text: |
The Koupooees are fond of dancing, which they accompany with songs and beat of drum. They have no other musical instrument. The airs to which some of their songs are sung are not unpleasant, and their dancing is of the most animated kind. Their songs seem to be reserved for their festivals, and it is more usual to hear the "hau-hau" than any other sound. In carrying loads they lighten them by expelling the "hau" from their lungs in different notes and in good tune; the cutting of the jungle for their cultivation proceeds rapidly to the same tune, and in fact no occupation requiring much exertion appears to be so willingly engaged in as when the "hau-hau" is fast and furious. A person may be complimented by hau-hauing, but, as a consideration is always expected for the compliment it may be called a method of begging. |
