ABSTRACT
Mata-reva was the name Rarahu had given me, not choosing to call me by that of Loti, bestowed by Faïmana or Ariitéa. Mata being exactly interpreted, means an eye; it is by their eyes that this 48race designates people, and the names they hit upon are often very happy. Thus Plunket was called, Mata-pifaré (cat's eye); Brown was Mata-ioré (rat's eye), and John Mata-ninamu (blue eye). Rarahu would not have me called after any animal; the poetical name of Mata-reva was her choice after much hesitation. I consulted the dictionary of the worthy brothers Picpus, and I found this:
