CORRESPONDENCE.
The Bird Cult of Easter Island.
With regard to Mrs. Routledge's article on the "Bird Cult of Easter Island" and to the symbol Ao, it may be of interest to mention that the Maoris when they reached New Zealand brought with them a stone bird which they regarded with extraordinary veneration. It was known, I think, as "Little crying dove," and when lost some years ago caused a great state of agitation; eventually it was found, and the image is now, I believe, in safe custody in one of the strong-rooms of a New Zealand bank. I acquired this information from The Maoris of New Zealand by J. Cowan.
With regard to the emblem Ao, one might connote this with the Maori lo, to which Mr. Cowan refers as follows :
"Beneath all the personifications of natural things, of the Sun and Moon and Stars, the Winds and the Ocean, there are faint traces of some still more ancient faith, the belief in a Great First Cause. This supreme Being or Power is lo, a name occasionally to be heard in ancient chants and genealogies. The resemblance of the name to Devus, Deo, Zeus, louis, and other forms of the Old World names for the Supreme God, has frequently been remarked upon, but probably the likeness is merely verbal; lo is no doubt a form of iho, the core or animating force of all things, the primal energising principle."
The Chaldean "God of Life" was sometimes entitled Aa, and it is perhaps worthy to remark that among the Mayas of Central America—the nearest continent to Easter Island and far nearer than New Zealand—lo is said to have been a sacrosanct term
