The Maori – the indigenous people of New Zealand/Aotearoa

Our thanks go to Cindy Ruakere, from NZ for her friendship and input.

Historically the Maori were a people whose traditions and history were recorded and transmitted orally with the greatest of care. The traditional vehicle for this treasure were chants, song, dance and playing of instruments and this continues to be the means of transferring knowledge from Tipuna (ancestors), to the present day, to Mokopuna (grandchildren)……

Every chant, song, haka and sound had a useful purpose. It caused strength to be gained through learning of one’s history, it averted evil, relieved the mind of sorrow when a battle was lost or a loved one killed, it could obtain the love of a woman on whom the heart was set. As numerous as the sounds are, so too were the reasons for them. [click to continue...]