Keanu Kukulau (1781 – 1854) was a Telamonian writer who lived at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. In the years 1814-1818 he held the office of tribune representing the interests of the peasants. He was known for his participation in the February Uprising and in exile. In 2011, the magazine "Hae Hoku" included him among the 10 most outstanding Telamonians in history. His works belong to the period of romanticism.
Life
Keanu Kukulau was born in 1781 in the province of Holakole. He came from a wealthier peasant family. Despite this, during the reign of the King Makia and the reforms, he managed to gain some education. He was accepted to the university in Malu City, from which he eventually graduated. It was then that he became involved in literary work. When the uprising broke out in 1812, Kukulau became involved in activities on behalf of the rebels. He wrote poems praising the rebels. He wrote two famous poems about the Battle of Kalanapa City. In 1814, he was elected tribune. This office consisted of representing the interests of one of the social groups. For four years, he performed his office well, interceding for the peasantry. When the uprising collapsed in 1818, Kukulau managed to leave Manakapa at the last moment. Then he went into exile in Luobu Empire, also visiting Ñuox, Diamond Island. There, he began his emigration activities, writing many patriotic poems and books. He also wrote about Telamonian traditions. To this day, many of his works written during his emigration are known in Telamon Islands. In time, he reached the imperial court in Peking, where he befriended Emperor Bloxning, who became a fan of his literature. After some time, Kukulau moved to Taiblox. When in 1854 he learned of the election of Pekelo Nohea as king and his reformist ambitions, he planned to return to his homeland. However, he was ultimately unable to return due to his deteriorating health. He died in April 1854 at the age of 73.
Literary works
- Moolelo o ko kakou aina (1809)
- Na molelo ma Holakole (1811)
- March for freedom (1812)
- Our legions (1812)
- Nohea's company (1813)
- Ohi o na molelo kipi (1814)
- Ola kuokuokoa (1814)
- Momeheu mahiai (1816)
- Telamonian myths (1821)
- Telamonian culture (1822)
- Our spirit, our freedom (1823)
- No kou kuokoa a me ko makou (1824)
- Telamonian-Luobese dictionary (1824)
- Where the day dawns (1826)
- Brave highlanders (1827)
- Collection of poems by Telamonia and about Telamonia (1829)
- Philosophy (1830)
- Telamonia (1833)
- Ko makou aina (1834)
- Moai Dynasty (1835)
- Kakadu Dynasty (1835)
- Telamonism and mythology (1836)
- Elelo (1838)
- Molelo hope loa (1845)
- Observations on Luobu (issued after death)
- Keanu Kukulau's notes (issued after death)