Question

What is the mele chant called that tells of the age of spirits, then the arrival of the gods and finally a complex genealogy linking them to the Hawaiian royalty?

a. huna
b. kumulipo
c. auana
d. kahiko

Answer 1

The correct answer is b. kumulipo.

Step-by-step explanation:

Kumulipo was first recorded by Westerners in the 18th Century, and it tells the story if the creation; it was recited during the makahiki season to honor the god Lono. It is said that captain John Cook was confused with this god when the Hawaiians received him singing the Kumulipo. It has more than 2000 lines that should be learnt by memory. It is, basically, a genealogy that links humans with stars and constellations.