Music of Hawaii: Importance of Mele and Mele'oli

Overview of Presentation

1. Hawaiian history recap
2. Explanation of Mele and Mele'oli
3. Introduction to important native Hawaiian and localized musical instruments

Hawaiian History and its Influence on Music

• First Settlers: Polynesians, who brought culture, language, and traditions.
• 1778: Captain James Cook arrived, named the islands "Sandwich Islands."
• 1810: King Kamehameha I united all major islands, forming the Kingdom of Hawaii.
• American Influence:
  • American Protestant missionaries introduced Western musical notation, choral singing, and hymns.
  • 1830: Queen Ka'ahumanu banned public performances of hula.
• 1893: Overthrow of Hawaiian Kingdom, annexation, and suppression of hula and Hawaiian language.
• 1960s-1970s Cultural Renaissance: Renewed pride in Hawaiian language, Mele, and Hula.

Understanding Mele

• Definition: Mele means song and poetry, crucial for oral traditions.
• Role: Preserved history, genealogies, myths, and honored ali'i.
• Themes: Serious, sacred, genealogical, place-based, romantic.
• Kauna (Hidden Meaning): Often metaphorical; sometimes only the composer knows the hidden message.
• Logogenic: Text or lyrics-centric; without words, there is no Mele or Hula.

Categories of Mele

• Mele-Oli:
  • Chant performed without instruments or dance.
  • Characteristics: Monophonic texture, narrow pitch range, sustaining tones, speech-like rhythm.
• Mele-Hula: Accompanied by instruments and involves dance.

Native Hawaiian Musical Instruments

1. Pahu Drum:
   • Sacred, used for sacred hula.
   • Made from coconut or ulu tree trunk; shark skin membrane.
2. Ipu / Ipu-Heke:
   • One-gourd or double-gourd; rhythmic patterns used by kumu hula.
3. Puniu:
   • Knee drum made from coconut shell, kala fish skin membrane.
4. Ohihanuihu (Nose Flute):
   • Made of bamboo, played by covering one nostril.
5. Puili:
   • Split bamboo rattles, used by hula dancers.
6. Ili'Ili and Uli'Uli:
   • Ili'Ili: Handheld pebbles, like castanets.
   • Uli'Uli: Feather rattles with seeds for sound.

Localized Musical Instruments

1. Ukulele:
   • Introduced by Portuguese in 1878.
   • Iconic in Hawaiian music, provides harmony and rhythm.
2. Slack Key Guitar:
   • Introduced by Mexican cowboys.
   • Unique tuning, allows melody and bass rhythm; accompanies vocals.
3. Steel Guitar:
   • Electrophon using electricity.
   • Unique sliding sound with steel bar; alternates with vocals.

Takeaways and Reflections

• Historical Influence: How events shaped Hawaiian music.
• Preservation: Importance of Mele and Mele'oli in Hawaiian identity.
• Optional Activity: Find a Mele about your home in Hawaii, and explore its historical and cultural significance.

Thank you for listening! A hui hou!