Kwara′ae Histories - Oral literature from Solomon Islands

Description:

‘Kwara'ae Histories’ is a collection of tales told by the Kwara'ae people of Malaita island in Solomon Islands, published in the Kwara'ae language with English translations. These histories are a small part of the oral literature of the island, which has much to say about precolonial life and culture. The book and the histories are introduced by the editor, Ben Burt, an anthropologist working for the British Museum. Burt has researched with the Kwara’ae chiefs and people since 1979 and has worked with them to compile this book as a contribution to preserving their traditional knowledge and culture. Ai′a, funi′a ka ′a′emae nai′ari kii ka te′e ma′u saena kastom, kaili ka ala′a sulia saena tua′a ne′e. ′A′emae ne′e nau ku ala′a suli′i kii, fuana ne′e kaulu ka rongoa sai logo ′ani′i, ma nau ku maemae ma kira ke keresi′i ka alua ruu ′ani to′oma′ilana kaumulu kii. Sa Malakai Kailiu "Well, these are the histories of us being a bit afraid under kastom, which we talk about in this family. The histories I’m talking about are for you to hear and learn about, and when I’m dead they’ll write them and leave something for you all to read." Malakai Kailiu

Location:

Solomon Islands

Collections:

Solomon Islands National Museum

Content partner:

Solomon Islands National Museum

Availability:

Online