The Ancient History of Hookumu-ka-lani Hookumu-ka-honuaby Solomon Lehuanui Kalaniomaiheuila Peleioholani
This work was originally written by Solomon
Peleioholani in longhand and then translated into English and typed by his
friend the newspaper editor J.M. Poepoe. This is a 45-page review and
commentary of the ancient Hawaiian cosmogonies (creation theories). It
includes some corrections of popular but mistaken ideas. There is also rare missing information from his own family traditions. Among these, the
information that the now lost Hookumu-ka-lani Hookumu-ka-honua
mele was
the most superior chant, containing and eclipsing even the venerable Kumulipo.
In this work he gives the opening lines of the Hookumukalani Hookukahonua.
This rare fragment is all that is
preserved of this precious chant today. The fragment (Page 1) describes the creation of heaven and earth.
Later, he recites a prayer of thanksgiving offered by the Hawaiians who
arrived from Alaska. In this very ancient chant, the Arctic Ocean is also
named and described. |