Maori Culture
Maori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Today Maori make up 14% of our population and their history, language and traditions are central to New Zealand’s identity. Powhiri or welcome ceremonies provide a special opportunity for visitors to experience Maori traditions in action. A powhiri normally takes place on a marae, or Maori meeting grounds. The marae sits at the heart of any Maori community.
Ta moko – the art of Maori tattoo – is a unique expression of cultural heritage and identity. It reflects the individual’s whakapapa (ancestry) and personal history. In earlier times it was an important signifier of social rank, knowledge, skill and eligibility to marry. Traditionally men received moko on their faces, buttocks and thighs. Women usually wore moko on their lips and chins. Moko was sometimes applied to other parts of the body, including the forehead, neck, back, stomach and calves. Today, moko is experiencing resurgence, both in traditional and modern forms. Where Maori designs are used for aesthetic reasons, without the traditional significance, this is referred to as kirituhi or skin art.
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Kapa haka - or traditional Māori performing arts - forms a powerful and highly visual part of the New Zealand cultural experience. Kapa haka is the term for Maori performing arts and literally means to form a line (kapa) and dance (haka). It involves an emotional and powerful combination of song, dance and chanting. Kapa haka is performed by cultural groups on marae, at schools, and during special events and festivals. Pukana or facial expressions are an important facet of Māori performance. They help emphasise a point in a song or haka, and demonstrate the performer’s ferocity or passion.
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Sources:
New Zealand Maori Culture. 2015. May 2015.
"Family Holiday Home." 2015. Asphodel. May 2015.
"Maori Language." 2015. Goodnewslutgheran. May 2015.
"Maori Time in New Zealand." 2009. Brittanica. May 2015.
New Zealand Maori Culture. 2015. May 2015.
"Family Holiday Home." 2015. Asphodel. May 2015.
"Maori Language." 2015. Goodnewslutgheran. May 2015.
"Maori Time in New Zealand." 2009. Brittanica. May 2015.