Maori culture - Eastland Tourism Eastland

Maori Culture

Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.  The unique and intriguing Maori culture is a key part of New Zealand's identity, and a great attraction for international visitors.  

 Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Originally from Polynesia, Maori migrated to New Zealand over 1000 years ago.

Today Maori make up around 10% of the total population of New Zealand. After a period of assimilation in the early 20th Century, much of traditional Maori life was lost. But since the 1970s, Maori culture, language and customs have enjoyed a profound resurgence.

Maori Art & Performance

Maori art and performance is deeply associated with New Zealand’s landscape and environment. Maori art draws heavily on Polynesian carving and weaving techniques.

Weaving and carving are used to visually convey important myths, legends and history.  Maori art forms such as these are therefore akin to the written word in European culture – a form of visual literature.

Whilst many international visitors will be familiar with the Maori haka, performed prior to each All Blacks game, there are many other forms of Maori performance. Grouped together under the term 'kapa haka', performance arts such as poi dances, waiata a ringa (action songs) and waiata tawhito (traditional Maori chant) are used to tell stories, convey history, celebrate, protest and entertain.

Maori Carving

There are three main forms of Maori carving:  Wood, Bone and Pounamu (greenstone).

Intricate wood carvings can be found on meeting houses and marae all over Aotearoa (New Zealand). They are created by master carvers, versed in the oral traditions of the tribe. These carvings tell the story of the tribe and important historical and mythological ancestors.  Wood carving is also used to create waka (canoes), certain weapons and musical instruments.

Bone carving (traditionally using whale bone, but nowadays utilising beef bone) is another important Maori art form. Bone carvings are used for adornment – usually worn as necklaces.  Specific shapes are used to symbolise certain things: 

  • Fish Hook
    The fish hook (Hei Matau) shape is an important symbol, representing the myth of Maui.  Maui fished up the North Island using a hook made from the jaw of his grandmother – the fish-hook therefore represents the power and influence of the ancestors. The Hei Matau is also considered a talisman – bringing good luck and protection during a voyage.
     
  • Koru (fern frond)
    Bone carvings depicting the koru design represent the unfurling fern frond. This is symbolic of new life and regeneration. The twist of the koru also represents eternity, and the coming together of peoples.
     
  • Manaia
    Manaia bone carvings represent the mythical beings of the same name. These beings had human bodies with bird heads. They are considered guardians against evil.
     
  • Tiki
    Tiki bone carvings are based on the mythical figures often depicted in meeting house and waka carvings.

Pounamu (Greenstone or Jade) carving is another important carving technique.  Pounamu is extremely hard to carve, therefore pounamu jewellery and weapons are highly treasured.  Pounamu carvings inherit their own histories over time, and are deemed Taonga (treasured possessions).

Myths and Legends

Maori is an oral culture, with many oral myths and legends. Maori mythology covers everything from creation myths to migration. Oral tradition is also used to recite genealogy (Whakapapa), and tribal affiliation. 

  • Creation Story
    The Maori creation story retells the formation of the world through the separation of Ranginui (the Sky Father), and Papatuanuku (the Earth Mother) by their children. The children of Ranginui and Papatuanuku forced the two apart, Tane (God of the Forest) successfully holding the two forever apart. This action transformed the world from a state of darkness (Te Po) to a world of light (Te Ao-Marama).
     
  • Maui
    The creation of Aotearoa New Zealand is described in the legend of Maui. Maui fished up the North Island from his waka (the South Island). The tail of the fish is Cape Reinga, and the mouth Wellington Harbour. Stewart Island is known as the punga (anchor) of Maui’s canoe.

 

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