MAORIS OF NEW ZEALAND

BY- AJOY KUMAR DAS M.T.A- 2ND SEM. RGSC

INDEXS1- Arrival.2- Origin.3- Haka Dance.4- Ta Moko.5- Maoris Welcome.6- Maoris Arts.7-Tourism Maori

Arrival

Several waves of migration came from Eastern Polynesia to New Zealand between AD 800 and 1300.

Maori oral history describes the arrival of ancestors from Hawaiki (a mythical homeland in tropical Polynesia) in large ocean-going canoes.

ORIGIN• Most Pacific

populations originated in Taiwan around 5,200 years ago

The ancestors of the Maori arrived in a forested land which featured abundant birdlife, including the now extinct Moa species and the giant Haast’s Eagle which preyed upon the moa.

As Maori continued in geographic isolation, performing arts such as the haka traditional

dance developed from their Polynesian roots, as did carving and weaving.

Haka - Maori War DancesThe haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace. Haka are a fierce display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity. Actions include violent foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant. The words of a haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in the tribe’s history.

Ta moko

•Ta moko, often referred to as Maori tattoo, is the traditional permanent marking of the body and face by Maori. 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.

•Welcome ceremonies provide a special opportunity for visitors to experience Maori traditions in action. •A pōwhiri usually begins outside the marae with a challenge. A warrior from the hosts will challenge the guests, checking to see whether they are friend or foe. •He may carry a spear-like weapon, and will lay down a token - often a small branch - for the visitors to pick up to show they come in peace.

Maori Welcome

Maori ArtsMaori creative arts like weaving and carving celebrate the past and continue to evolve through fresh inspiration and new materials.

Raranga – the art of weaving.

Weaving women.

Cloaks of beauty.

Whakairo – the art of carving.

Population Declines In 1840, New Zealand had a Maori population of about 100,000 and only about 2,000 Europeans.

By the end of the 19th century, the Maori population had declined to 42,113 (according to the 1896 census) and Europeans numbered more than 700,000.

Tourism Maori•For a small nation like New Zealand tourism is serious business, earning the economy a staggering $59 million per day and employing 185,000 people annually.

•The Ministry of Tourism sees Maori tourism as a key component of the sector, and one that sets New Zealand apart from the rest of the world.

Other Places To Visit In New Zealand

1- Bay Of Islands2- Sky Tower3- Milford Sound4- Tongariro National Park5- Rainbow’s End

Whakawhetai Ki A Koutou

Thank You