Māori culture

TamatekapuaMeetingHouse

Early Maori objects from Wairau Bar, Canterbury Museum, 2016-01-27

Maori man wearing kahu kuri, c. 1860–1880 (1)

Hinepare

Haka party, waiting to perform for Duke of York in Rotorua, 1901 - cropped

Māori culture is the culture of the Māori people of New Zealand (Aotearoa) and forms a distinctive part of New Zealand culture. With its roots in the ancient cultures of Polynesia, Māori culture has evolved over centuries, incorporating influences from the European settlers while retaining its unique characteristics. This article explores various aspects of Māori culture, including its history, language, arts, and societal structures.

History

The history of Māori culture begins with the arrival of Polynesian settlers in New Zealand, around the 13th century. These settlers developed a distinct Māori culture over several centuries isolated from the rest of Polynesia. The first European to arrive in New Zealand was Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642, but it was the British who made a significant impact in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This treaty is a pivotal moment in New Zealand's history, as it established British law in the country while ostensibly protecting Māori rights.

Language

The Māori language, known as Te Reo Māori, is an integral part of Māori culture and identity. It is a Polynesian language, closely related to Tahitian, Hawaiian, and other Pacific languages. Te Reo Māori was declared one of New Zealand's official languages in 1987, reflecting efforts to revive and preserve the language. Initiatives such as Kōhanga Reo (language nests) and Kura Kaupapa Māori (Māori language immersion schools) have been instrumental in this revival.

Arts

Māori arts are a vibrant expression of the culture, encompassing traditional and contemporary forms. Carving is highly significant, with wood, bone, and stone being transformed into intricate artworks that often serve ceremonial purposes or tell stories of ancestral heroes. Weaving, another important art form, uses flax (harakeke) to create items such as mats, baskets, and garments. Tā moko, the traditional practice of skin tattooing, is a sacred art that signifies identity, status, and lineage. Māori performing arts, including the haka (a war dance) and waiata (songs), are powerful expressions of heritage and identity.

Society and Traditions

Māori society traditionally centers around the whānau (extended family), hapū (subtribe), and iwi (tribe), with a strong emphasis on community and collective responsibility. Traditional governance structures, such as the marae (communal meeting grounds), play a central role in community life, serving as venues for meetings, ceremonies, and celebrations. Māori spirituality and beliefs, deeply connected to nature and ancestry, influence many aspects of cultural practices and traditions.

Contemporary Māori Culture

Today, Māori culture continues to thrive, contributing to all aspects of New Zealand life. It is celebrated through events such as Matariki (Māori New Year), sports (notably the All Blacks' haka), and in the arts and media. Efforts to preserve and promote Māori culture and language are ongoing, reflecting a broader recognition of the importance of cultural diversity and heritage.