Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library.
Contributed by American Museum of Natural History.
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Transcription
Roll 7:5 Puka Puka and W. connecting reef, from Katava, looking N.E.
Note the north sloping conglomerate in foreground; our schooner at
left in cove and lagoon at right. Scaevola and young coconut palm
in foreground.
Found at least three spp. of landshells under fallen leaves, sticks and
dry coconuts.
Back to Puka Puka, having to paddle all the way against the wind which
had shifted and prevented sailing. Supper of chicken and fish, cooked in imu.
Watched old Puka Puka woman place the food in an imu:-
FILLING THE IMU
The coals and small hot stones which had been in and under the fire
were lifted and scraped away with a bent coconut mid-rib "forceps." In the
resulting depression (perhaps three inches deep and 2 1/2 feet in diameter)
were placed the parcels of food - taro, fish, etc. - wrapped in taro and
cocoanut leaves; two rows of fino and a few odd ones around and on top. The
hot rocks were then pushed back against the periphey and the whole was covered
with sections of cocoanut husk, the outside up. Over those were spread damp
gunny sacking.
Sunday March 2, 1924. Attended three church services during the day:-
1. Special "family prayers" for us before breakfast. (Scriptures - Revela-
tions 21:22 to 22:5).
2. Communion services at the large coral-lime church, in company with nearly
the entire population, at about 10:30. (Sermon from I John 3:11).
3. Vesper services in the middle of the afternoon, conducted by the assistant
minister, Rev. Kare sitting with us in the minister's pew, at left front
of church.
Puka Puka Communion Services
The missionary was from Rarotonga, (London Missionary Society). He had
been born in Puka Puka, sent to Rarotonga and Tahiti to school and assigned