a.
See W. H. R. Rivers, "Sun-cult and Megaliths in Polynesia,"
_American Anthropologist_, xvii. July-September 1915, pp. 431
_sqq._ In proof of the supposed connexion between these
megalithic monuments and a worship of the sun, Dr. Rivers says
(p. 440) that the Areois "held their celebrations in an
enclosure called _marae_ or _marai_, at one end of which was
situated a pyramidical structure with steps leading to a
platform on which were placed the images of the gods during the
religious celebrations of the people." But if by "their
celebrations" Dr. Rivers means the ordinary dramatic, musical,
and athletic performances of the Areois, he seems to be in
error; for it appears to be certain that these exhibitions were
regularly given, not at the _maraes_, but in or before large
houses built or specially set apart for the purpose. See above,
pp. 259 _sq._

Perhaps a faint gleam of light may fall on the mystery of the Areois
from an examination of their traditionary first members and guardian
deities, the two divine brothers, Orotetefai and Urutetefai. The
similarity of the names of the brothers suggests that they may have been
twins; for it is a common custom to bestow either the same or a similar
name on each of a pair of twins in order to indicate their close
relationship to each other.[68] If they were twins, there are some
grounds for thinking that they were Heavenly Twins; for their father or
creator, Taaroa, seems certainly to have been a sky-god, and their
mother, Hina, is by some authorities regarded as the moon; moreover, the
two brothers are said to have first descended from the sky to the earth
on a rainbow.[69] If the twinship of the divine brothers could be made
out, it might perhaps explain some of the peculiar features of the Areoi
Society. For example, their remarkable custom of not allowing any of
their offspring to live; for it has been a common custom in many parts
of the world to put twins to death.[70] Further, the superhuman rank
accorded to the Areois becomes more intelligible on this hypothesis. For
among many savage peoples twins are credited with the possession of
powers superior to those of ordinary humanity; in particular, they are
thought to be able to influence the weather for good or evil, as by
causing rain or drought and the wind to blow or be still.[71] Among the
Baronga of South-Eastern Africa the supposed relation of twins to the