What are some special things Maori do?

Before the arrival of the Pakeha (White Man) elements of Maori culture, like legends and waiata (songs), were transferred orally from generation to generation. Probably the most famous Maori tradition is the Haka dance.

Haka

 

Haka is the common term for all Maori dances. It is performed for different reasons, such as celebrating success, welcoming guests or as a pre-battle challenge.

The haka was originally performed by warriors before a battle to show their strength in order to scare the enemy. Various actions are performed in Maori haka performance like chanted words, a variety of cries and grunts in which different parts of the body represent many instruments.

Poi

Poi originates from the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand, the word 'Poi' simply means ball. For over a thousand years Maori women have danced the Maori Poi, a dance with balls attached to strings, swung rhythmically to keep there hands flexible for weaving.

Music

Waiata or songs and chants are an important part of Māori culture. The words and expressions preserve the wisdom and knowledge of ancestors.

Hangi

Traditional Maori cooking is called "hangi". First a pit is dug out. Fire is started. Stones are put it to be heated. Stones are covered with cabbage leaves or watercress to prevent the food, placed inside basket, being burned. On the basket people put Mutton cloth or something similar. Finally, some soil is put on everything. Food is ready after about three hours. Hangi is a way Maori usually prepare mutton, pork, chicken, potatoes and "kumera" (a sweet potato).

Hongi

The Maori have a traditional greeting known as "hongi". It is done by pressing your nose on the nose of person you meet. There is an old Maori belief stating that during hongi the "ha" or "breath of life" is exchanged and merged. After hongi you are transformed from "manuhiri" (visitor) to "tangata whenua" or "one of the people of the land".

Moko

Tā moko is a traditional tattoo of the Maori. Men have tattoos on their faces, buttocks ("raperape"), thighs ("puhoro"), backs, stomachs and calves . Women have tattoos on their lips ("kauae"), chins, foreheads, buttocks, thighs, neck and backs. 

Maori tatto's are an important aspect of native society as it linked them with ancestry and a sense of Maori pride.

Powhiri

The powhiri is the ritual ceremony of encounter.Traditionally the process served to discover whether the visiting party were friend or enemy. As the ceremony progressed, and after friendly intent was established, it became a formal welcoming of guests (manuhiri) by the hosts (tangata whenua or home people).

A powhiri (formal welcome) at a marae begins with wero (challenge). A warrior from the tangata whenua (hosts) will challenge the manuhiri (guests). He may carry a spear (taiaha) then lay down a token (often a small branch) that the manuhiri will pick up to show they come in peace. Some kuia (women) from the tangata whenua (hosts) will perform a karanga (call/chant) to the manuhiri. Women from the manuhiri will then respond as they move onto the marae in front of their men.

Carvings

The Maori are famous for their beautiful and unique carvings. Maori carvings can be found on their houses, boats, statues, and on the jewelry they make. A Maori carving can be made from many different materials including jade, bone, silver, and wood. Each shape in a carving has a special meaning.

The Maori people are well known for their beautiful greenstone carvings. The Maori word for greenstone is pounamu and it is often referred to as Maori jade or New Zealand jade.

Weaving

Māori weaving was made from the New Zealand flax (phormium tenax). From the flax, baskets, floor mats, skirts and cloaks were and still are made. There are more than fifty different varieties of the New Zealand flax, and the Māori know the advantages of each type of flax for its respective use.

The first Polynesians brought the art of weaving and plaiting to New Zealand. Because of the cooler climate, weaving techniques adapted and developed into those used today.