Matimati.

This game is played with the hands alone. Either two or more persons play at it, the players sitting opposite to each other, and playing the game in pairs. A long series of words or short abrupt sentences is repeated by the players very quickly, and this alone is quite difficult in order to avoid making an error. At each signal-word or remark the hands are quickly moved, each time in a different manner. We give an example of this game below:—

First cry: “Matimati.” (The players here strike the closed hands together.)

Second cry: “Tahi matimati.” (The same action.)

Third cry: “Rua matimati.” (The hands opened, fingers apart, right thumb struck across left.)

Fourth cry: “Toru matimati.” (The right hand clenched and struck on open palm of left hand.)

Fifth cry: “Wha matimati.” The two hands open, brought together and fingers interlocked.)

Sixth cry: “Rima matimati.” (Thumb of right hand struck between first and second fingers of left hand.)

Seventh cry: “Ono matimati.” (Same as first movement.)

Eighth cry: “Whitu matimati.” (Same as No. 3.)

Ninth cry: “Waru matimati.” (Heel of hands struck together.)

Tenth cry: “Iwa matimati.” (Same as No. 1.)

Eleventh cry: “Piro matimati.” (The open right hand struck on back and front of open left hand.)