LOFIA, KOE KUMI TU‘I: THE SEARCH FOR A KING – A SUNG AND DANCED POETRY OF TRAGEDY

Authors

Pā‘utu-‘O-Vava‘u-Lahi, Adriana M. Lear, University of Wollongong
Sione L. Vaka, Auckland University of Technology
Maui-TāVā-He-Akó, Tēvita O. Ka‘ili, Brigham Young University Hawai‘i
Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu, ‘Ōkusitino Māhina, Vava‘u Academy for Critical Inquiry and Applied Research

Abstract

We examine in this critical essay a sung and danced poetry of tragedy by Kaliopasi Fe‘iloakitau Kaho about the people of Ha‘apai leaving for Tongatapu in search for their king Tāufa‘āhau. By making good use of the three types of heliaki, “metaphorically saying one thing but historically meaning another,” he talks about the deep sadness of the people of Ha‘apai, in thinking and feeling they have been deserted, promoting them to leave in search of their most beloved. Out of both frustration and desperation, they were determined and committed to embark on their mission, using whatever means and irrespective of conditions. By putting it in the context of the long history of both regional empires and local kingdoms, we argue that, while Tāufa‘āhau remained King of Ha‘apai, he was now also King of all Tonga, marking the rise of the fourth kingship, viz., Tu‘i Tupou.

Recommended Citation

Lear, Pā‘utu-‘O-Vava‘u-Lahi, Adriana M.; Vaka, Sione L.; Ka‘ili, Maui-TāVā-He-Akó, Tēvita O.; and Māhina, Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu, ‘Ōkusitino (2021) "LOFIA, KOE KUMI TU‘I: THE SEARCH FOR A KING – A SUNG AND DANCED POETRY OF TRAGEDY," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 44: No. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol44/iss1/9