PELE, HI‘IAKA, AND HAUMEA: WOMEN AND POWER IN TWO HAWAIIAN MO‘OLELO

Authors

NoeNoe Silva, University of Hawaii at ManoaFollow

Abstract

This paper examines two Hawaiian mo‘olelo published in Hawaiian in 1861 and 1905 for representations of powerful female characters. These characters are seen to be human, divine, and parts of the landscape all at once. The paper argues that the elaborated stories as literature have been lost in the processes of colonialism that eroded and nearly eradicated the Hawaiian language; the stories have been replaced with caricatures, distorted translations, and other simulacra that work to reinforce stereotypes about Hawaiians. A successful revitalization of the Hawaiian language that allowed most people to be able to read this literature would work as a powerful antidote to the poison of cultural imperialism.

Recommended Citation

Silva, NoeNoe (2007) "PELE, HI‘IAKA, AND HAUMEA: WOMEN AND POWER IN TWO HAWAIIAN MO‘OLELO," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 30: No. 1, Article 31.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol30/iss1/31