Polynesian details
I've been scouring the Internet for information on traditional Polynesian culture, paticularly of Hawaiians, Tahitians, and Maori. A few facts still elude me:
(a) What is the correct way to approach and speak to a chief in his home? Also, how should you behave at a feast? (update) Still would like info on Hawaiian, Tahitian, or Maori etiquette!
(b) How did Hawaiians cook things like coconut pudding without ceramic or metal pots? Did they use coconut shells or wooden bowls? Or is coconut pudding a modern recipe? (update) Now I'm interested in Polynesian pottery. How common was it, and what did it look like? I'm just curious, since this doesn't play a huge role in my novel.
(c) What forms of lighting were used inside the home? Torches? Fires? Or did they have any sort of lamps? (update) I've decided on candlenut oil in stone lamps.
(d) Is it true that all names can be either masculine or feminine? Could there really be a boy named Puatea, "white flower"? (update) This isn't really that important, but I'm still curious....
(e) I've come across mentions of albino Maori in the 1800's or earlier. Korako, according to one site. Anybody know more? (update) Thanks for the info! I think I'm satisfied with this one for now.
Edited to add: This is for a fantasy novel with people based on Polynesians. My idea is that they're another branch of the Polynesian family tree. I'm ignorant about a lot of things, so I'm looking for people to enlighten me.
Thanks so much,
Karen