Mauro

ura (the red sash), a very sacred relic, held in the highest estimation by the natives of Tahiti, one of the Society Islands. It "was a piece of network, about seven inches wide and six feet long, upon which the red feathers of the paroquet were neatly fastened. It was used at the inauguration of their greatest kings, just as the crown is with us, and the most honorable appellation which a chief could receive was, Arii mauro ura, 'King of the Red Sash.' A new piece, about eighteen inches in length, was attached at the inauguration of every sovereign; to accomplish which several human victims were required. The first was for the mau raa titi, or the stretching it upon pegs in order to attach to it the new piece. Another was necessary for thefatu raa, or attaching the new portion;. and a third for the piu raa, or twitching the sacred relic off the pegs. This not only invested the sash itself with a high measure of solemn importance, but also rendered the chiefs who wore: it most noble in public estimation." See Williams, Narrative of Missionary Enterprises in the South Sea Islands.