- description
- # CHAPTER XLVII. HOW THEY DRESS IN TAHITI
## Overview
This is a chapter from the novel [Omoo: Adventures in the South Seas](arke:01KG8AJ7VM7B8YZ2568YF8PQ5J) by Herman Melville. It is extracted from the source file [omoo.txt](arke:01KG89J1H7Y803CZ7X80F0QFHZ) and is part of the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. The chapter discusses Tahitian fashion and the impact of missionaries on native customs. It is preceded by [CHAPTER XLVI. SOMETHING ABOUT THE KANNAKIPPERS](arke:01KG8AJK7HDE51WYMDHCNCF1W3) and followed by [CHAPTER XLVIII. TAHITI AS IT IS](arke:01KG8AJK7HBXCCD7MHEN55KXEQ).
## Context
This chapter is part of Melville's "Omoo," a semi-autobiographical account of his experiences in the South Seas. The novel, and thus this chapter, provides observations on Tahitian culture and society during the 19th century, particularly focusing on the influence of Western missionaries and their impact on traditional practices.
## Contents
The chapter is divided into two chunks: [Chunk 1](arke:01KG8AKRZV1GCNAQ08532FASY1) and [Chunk 2](arke:01KG8AKRZV64D9TZPZZQAVRZ67). It describes Tahitian clothing, noting the "kihee whihenee" (petticoat) and gowns worn by women, and the often mismatched European garments adopted by the men. It critiques the "horrid hats" introduced by missionaries' wives. The chapter also laments the suppression of traditional Tahitian amusements, sports, dances, and tattooing by missionaries, arguing that this denationalization has led to listlessness and sensuality among the Tahitians.
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- CHAPTER XLVII. HOW THEY DRESS IN TAHITI
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- 6590
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- 2026-01-30T20:47:33.380Z
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- title
- CHAPTER XLVII. HOW THEY DRESS IN TAHITI