Maori are the natives of New Zealand, and are composed of a number of Iwi (tribes), Hapu (subtribes) and Whanau (units). The name has originated from Ma-Uri, which translates to ‘ordinary or normal people’. Maori ancestors were predominantly hunters, but eventually agriculture became a vital part of Maori life. There are around 500,000 Maori with a higher concentration in the cities, though their customs are still intact. The tribes (Aotea, Arawa, Horouata, Kurahaupo, Mataatua, Takitimu, Tainui, and Tokomaru) are named after the canoes of the Great Fleet that arrived into New Zealand.
In 950 AD., Kupe, a Polynesian traveler is said to have discovered New Zealand. The Maori had very little interference from the other countries; although, they fought their own territorial wars. A number of tribes kept the heads of their enemies, to help secure the enemies power or ‘mana’. Maori lived in a complex society, with tribes and sub-tribes along with different ‘class’ systems. The land was divided among tribes living in different villages or ‘pa’, with a meeting place called ‘marae’, where the old spirits rested. Maori are known for their war chants called ‘haka’ and ‘wero’.
High ranking men have exquisite tribal tattoos from the face to the feet but women were only tattooed on the chin. Their clothing was made from dog fur, and their ornaments and clubs were made out of feathers, bone and jade. Maori men were farmers and hunters, and the women cooked and wove. Art plays a vital part in Maori history, these include; poetry, tattooing, and carving bone, wood and stone. Houses were extensively decorated with wood carvings. The Maori also wore amulets and pendants, made from stone or whale bone. The popularity of Maori art and tattoos is not limited to New Zealand. British celebrity Robbie Williams sports a huge Maori tattoo on his arm and Maori pendants and other ornaments have gained in popularity ever since awareness of this rich, ancient culture has spread over the world. |
