article

Poetics and politics of Tongan laments and eulogies

American ethnologist • 20 (3) • Published In 1993 • Pages: 474-501

By: Kaeppler, Adrienne Lois.

Abstract

In this article, Kaeppler examines Tongans' emotion-laden laments and eulogies and their role in constructing cultural values and imposing social order. She gives examples of five laments, or TANGI, intoned at the funerals of high-ranking individuals by their close relatives. She also gives the full text of four eulogies (LAULAU), which extol the greatness of the deceased, who in these examples are royalty. Kaeppler discusses the meaning of the metaphors, omens, and traditional values expressed in the songs. She argues that the above songs take advantage of the moment to comprise an effective mix of grief with statements of power and rank. The article contains the music of several of the laments and eulogies.

HRAF PubDate

2006

Region

Oceania

Sub Region

Polynesia

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard; 2004

Field Date

1964-1991

Coverage Date

1799-1990

Coverage Place

Tonga

Notes

Adrienne L. Kaeppler

Includes bibliographical references (p. 500-501)

LCCN

74644326

LCSH

Tongans