He Who Rejects Servants -- Kanaka`ole
For sure the chiefs of old Hawai`i – the highest born, especially – were surrounded by loads of servants to care continuously for their every need including cooking, entertainment of every sort, medicine, traveling, tool-making. You name it. All this privileged attention: even when such a child was still in the womb; then throughout that life; even after death, somewhat.
There’s at least one exception. He was Kanaka`ole (“Without Man”), meaning that he accepted no servants. Instead, he did his own work, which explains why he was called the Laboring Chief. (pg. v)
There’s more fascinating explanations about the family system and customary ways practiced in Ka’u, Hawai`i. The primary informant being Mary Kawena Pukui, a direct relative of KANAKA`OLE. Pukui, the distinguished scholar, the primary source of much of the information about Hawaiian culture. Includes the HAWAIIAN DICTIONARY, and `OLELO NO`EAU: HAWAIIAN PROVERBS & POETICAL SAYINGS. And too, this book to read, THE POLYNESIAN FAMILY SYSTEM IN KA`U, HAWAI`I.
By the way, it was an honor for anyone to be part of the supreme household of the ali’i. Children were carefully and constantly instructed in preparation for such a role. It was never considered a demeaning calling.
Tags: Hawaiian Stories
