Fornander collection of Hawaiian antiquities and folk-lore, Volume 3 (of 3)

HONOLULU, H. I. Bishop Museum Press 1919–1920
BY ABRAHAM FORNANDER Author of “An Account of the Polynesian Race” WITH TRANSLATIONS EDITED AND ILLUSTRATED WITH NOTES BY THOMAS G. THRUM
HONOLULU, H. I. Bishop Museum Press 1919–1920
BY ABRAHAM FORNANDER Author of “An Account of the Polynesian Race” WITH TRANSLATIONS EDITED AND ILLUSTRATED WITH NOTES BY THOMAS G. THRUM
HONOLULU, H. I. Bishop Museum Press 1919
This third series of the Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Folklore, in its varied character, presents valuable features for antiquarian and ethnic students of Polynesia in general and Hawaii in particular. The papers included in Part I, mostly the result of S. N. Haleole’s researches in the work and workings of the Sorcery priesthood, is a revelation of the power and influence of that body over the Hawaiian race in all their vocations, and through his connections with members of the order he may be said to have written with a clear knowledge of his subject. The opening paper on Religious Ceremonies of the Temple came to the collection from Dr. W. D. Alexander, as the contribution of Kamakau, of Kaawaloa, an eminent authority in his day, a noiau (skilled in such matters), and reputed to have been a chanter of Kamehameha’s court.
Part II. embraces historic studies and fragmentary notes of Judge Fornander, selected from his miscellaneous papers, as affording an insight into his line of research work, hence, has little of the original Hawaiian and translation feature of the other parts.
Part III. is devoted entirely to chants of various kinds. These are almost wholly from the collection of Judge L. Andrews, whose ripe Hawaiian scholarship is seen in uncompleted translations and notes found in the collection. The “Haui ka Lani” prophecy which was brought to light by Judge Andrews in the sixties and published in part has recently been found to be entitled to three more cantos. This chant is now believed to be complete, and appears here for the first time in translated form. Besides this, the chants comprise eulogies, lamentations, name songs, prayers, love songs and other meles—a valuable collection rescued from oblivion.