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Contents

Page

• Introduction vii
• I. Man Creates his Gods 1

  Polynesian Social Pattern, 1; The Creation of Gods, 7; Deification, 9; Spiritualism, 10; Sorcery, 10; Disease Demons, 11; Gods, 13; Polytheism, 13; The Priesthood, 14; The Temple, 15; Material Representatives, 16; Animate Representatives, 18; Offerings, 19; Human Offerings, 24; Temple Furnishings, 27; Ritual, 28; Summary, 30

• II. The Gods Create Man 33

  Introduction, 33; Cultural Center of Polynesia, 34; The Major Gods, 35; The Growth of Theology, 37; The Parents of the Gods, 39; The Era of Darkness, 42; Origin of Island Groups, 45; The Creation of Man, 47; War Among the Gods, 50; Later Elaboration in Ra'iatea, 54; Monotheism, 59; Summary, 61

• III. The Death of the Gods 63

  Introduction, 63; Mangaian Gods, 69; Priests, 70; Social Customs, 72; The Constitution, 73; Advent of Missionaries, 74; Cultural Revolution, 78; Religious Changes, 79; Social Changes, 84; Code of Laws, 87; Songs, Dances, 91; Arts and Crafts, 92; Summary, 93

• Map of the Islands of Polynesia

  following page 96

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