About this video

• Video Title: Cosmogonic Genealogies
• Channel: Noah (Keola) Ryan
• Speakers: Noah (Keola) Ryan
• Duration: 00:45:37

Overview

This video lecture explores Polynesian creation stories, referred to as cosmogonic genealogies, from various island groups including Tahiti, New Zealand (Aotearoa), and Hawaii. It discusses how these narratives anchor indigenous peoples to their lands, emphasize the importance of genealogy, and reveal fundamental cultural values. The lecture details specific creation myths, such as the Tahitian story of "Rumia" and the Hawaiian stories of "Papa Hanamoku" and "Kumulipo," and examines the underlying lessons about environmental stewardship, social structure, and the divine.

Key takeaways

• Cosmogonic Genealogies: These are creation stories that explain the origin of the universe, deities, and people through a series of births, emphasizing a deep connection to place and ancestry for indigenous peoples.
• Anchoring to Place: Creation stories serve to root indigenous populations to their ancestral lands, establishing them as original inhabitants rather than migrants.
• Importance of Genealogy: These narratives highlight the significance of whakapapa (genealogy) in demonstrating one's relationship and connection to their land and ancestors.
• Tahitian Creation Myth (Rumia): The universe begins as a cosmic egg from which the deity Taroa emerges, creating the world through a process of breaking forth and shaping elements.
• Māori Creation Myth (Aotearoa): Creation progresses through three states: Te Kore (nothingness), Te Pō (darkness), and Te Ao Mārama (the world of light), involving the separation of sky father Ranginui and earth mother Papatūānuku.
• Hawaiian Creation Myths: Two prominent stories are discussed: one where Earth Mother Papa Hanamoku gives birth to islands and people, and the "Kumulipo," a more extensive chant detailing creation in sixteen periods, from darkness to the birth of a chief.
• Fundamental Hawaiian Lessons: Three key lessons derived from Hawaiian creation stories are:
  • Mālama (Care for): Emphasizes caring for the environment and nature, recognizing a familial connection to the land and a reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world.
  • Ikapu (Sacred Eating/Taboo): A practice involving restrictions on certain foods representing deities, highlighting dualism and the need for separation (male/female) to maintain balance (pono).
  • Nēpo (Incest): In the context of Hawaiian society, it was a practice reserved for high-ranking chiefs to increase their rank and mana, essentially deifying them.
• Cultural DNA: Creation stories are seen as the "cultural DNA" of a people, revealing fundamental values and worldviews upon which their society is built.