Tohunga

"Matapo, a blind tohunga" in Te Tohunga by Wilhelm Dittmer, 1907

Tohunga handling the dead would be fed by another, as they would become tapu and so could not handle food.

Tohunga is a term in the Māori culture of New Zealand that refers to experts or specialists in any given field. Traditionally, tohunga held significant roles within their communities, acting as healers (Rongoā Māori), spiritual leaders, and advisors. They were custodians of Māori knowledge, including history, genealogy (whakapapa), and mythology. The knowledge of tohunga was considered tapu (sacred) and was often passed down through oral tradition within specific families or schools of learning known as whare wānanga.

Roles and Responsibilities

The tohunga could specialize in various fields, reflecting the diverse needs of their communities. Some of the key roles included:

• Tohunga ahurewa: High priests who were involved in religious ceremonies and were considered the highest authority on spiritual matters.
• Tohunga matakite: Seers who had the ability to foresee events or communicate with the spiritual realm.
• Tohunga tātai arorangi: Experts in astronomy, who interpreted celestial movements for navigation or agricultural purposes.
• Tohunga whakairo: Master carvers who created carvings that adorned meeting houses (wharenui), canoes (waka), and other significant objects.
• Tohunga rongoā: Healers who used traditional Māori medicine, utilizing the medicinal properties of native plants and other materials, along with spiritual healing practices.

Historical Context

The status of tohunga has undergone significant changes, especially with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. The introduction of Christianity and Western medicine challenged the traditional roles and practices of tohunga. In 1907, the New Zealand government passed the Tohunga Suppression Act, which aimed to stop what it considered to be fraudulent activities of some tohunga. This act was part of broader efforts to assimilate Māori into European culture and reduce the influence of Māori traditional practices. However, the act was repealed in 1962, and there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Māori knowledge and practices, including those of the tohunga.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, the role of tohunga is still recognized within Māori communities, although it has adapted to contemporary society. There is a growing appreciation for the traditional knowledge that tohunga hold, particularly in areas such as environmental management, healthcare, and education. Efforts are being made to preserve and revitalize this knowledge through formal education and the integration of traditional practices in community initiatives.