"In the tattooing of men and women there is a small spot on the inside of each arm, just above the elbow, which is a mark of distinction, and shews that such a person may eat or touch his father's and mother's food, without rendering it rāa, or sacred; it is a sort of seal, that all the amо̄as have been performed. This is generally received when the head is made free, which is the last amо̄a, except that of friendship and marriage. The man who does the tattooing to young or old, is called at the pleasure of the parties, and no constraint is ever used. The young persons will not suffer him to leave off while they can endure the stroke of the instrument, though they make cries and lamentations as if he was killing them. The girls are always attended by some female relations, who hold them while struggling under the pain of the operation, encouraging them to cry out, which they think helps to alleviate the anguish. When the pain becomes excessive, and they say they can endure no more, they use no compulsion. No person ever lifts his hand to strike a child: on the contrary, the young girls under the operation will often strike those who compassionate them, and wish them to suspend the operation, as they are never esteemed women till the whole is finished: this sometimes lasts for a year, or more, by intervals, from the commencement of the tattooing."