Maori

Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They originated with settlers from eastern Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe voyages at some time between 1250 and 1300 CE. Over several centuries in isolation, these settlers developed their own distinctive culture, whose language, mythology, crafts, and performing arts evolved independently from those of other eastern Polynesian cultures. Some early Maori moved to the Chatham Islands where their descendants became New Zealand's other indigenous Polynesian ethnic group, the Moriori.

History

The Maori people's history is divided into two periods: the pre-contact period (before the arrival of European explorers), and the post-contact period (after European contact). The earliest period of Maori settlement, known as the Archaic period, was followed by the Classic period, which saw increasing urbanisation and a shift from hunting, gathering and garden-based economy to a focus on horticulture.

Culture

Maori culture is a rich and varied one, and includes traditional and contemporary arts. Traditional arts such as carving, weaving, kapa haka (group performance), whaikorero (oratory), and moko (tattoo) are practiced throughout the country. Practitioners following in the footsteps of their tipuna (ancestors) replicate the techniques used hundreds of years ago, yet also develop exciting new techniques and forms.

Language

The Maori language is closely related to Tahitian, Hawaiian and other languages of the eastern Pacific archipelago. The language has been part of New Zealand signage for many years and is a key aspect of Maori culture.

Religion

Traditional Maori religion, that is, the pre-European belief system of the Maori, 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. Accordingly, all things were thought of as possessing a life force, or mauri.

See also

• Maori mythology
• Maori music
• Maori King Movement
• Maori Land Court
• Maori Television

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