by H. Arlo Nimmo (Author)
When the first Europeans arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, the volcano goddess Pele was the central deity of a complex religion in the volcano districts of Hawai'i Island. While native Hawaiians were quickly converted to Christianity, Pele remained remarkably relevant as a deity. This book is a critical biography of the volcano goddess, as well as a history of her religion. Topics covered include the ongoing belief in Pele, her popular manifestations, her ceremonies, her new cultural roles and her current status in Hawai'i.
Author Biography
The late H. Arlo Nimmo was a cultural anthropologist who wrote twelve books and dozens of articles. He was professor emeritus of anthropology at California State University East Bay and lived in San Francisco.