Māori people

Māori people are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe voyages at some time between 1250 and 1300. Over several centuries in isolation, the Māori developed a unique culture with their own language, a rich mythology, distinctive crafts and performing arts.

History

The origins of the Māori people are traced back to the 13th century. They are believed to have arrived from eastern Polynesia in canoes. This Great Migration is a significant event in Māori history, and traditional narratives provide varying accounts of the journeys.

Culture

Māori culture is a rich and varied one, and includes traditional and contemporary arts. Traditional arts such as carving, weaving, kapa haka (group performance), whaikōrero (oratory), and tā moko (tattoo) are practiced throughout the country. Māori culture also includes mythology and legends, as well as te reo Māori (the Māori language).

Society

Māori society was traditionally based on tribal units, known as iwi. Each iwi was governed by a chief or chiefs, and there were also smaller social units such as hapū and whānau. Today, Māori people are involved in New Zealand's political and social life, with dedicated parliamentary seats, statutory boards, and school curricula.

Religion

Traditional Māori religion, that is, the indigenous religious beliefs and practices of the Māori, was little modified from that of their tropical Eastern Polynesian homeland, conceiving of everything, including natural elements and all living things as connected by common descent through whakapapa or genealogy. Today, Christianity is the main religion of Māori people in New Zealand, although many Māori combine their Christian faith with traditional Māori spirituality.

See also

• Māori language
• Māori mythology
• Māori culture
• Māori religion
• Māori migration to New Zealand