One Last Music Culture

 

The Untouched

    The Maori people are a Polynesian, indigenous group of people who live in New Zealand. The true origin of the Maori people to this day remains unknown. It is believed that they arrived in New Zealand from their Polynesian homeland, Hawaiki, over 1,000 years ago. After arriving the Maori attempted quickly to the land. They were amazing hunters, gatherers, and farmers. They even brought vegetables from their Polynesian homeland like Kumara, commonly known as the sweet potato. Today the Maori make up 15% percent of the New Zealand population which is 5 times more than the Aboriginal population of Australia. Historian Micheal King referred to the community as “The last major human community untouched by the wider world” as they remained strong in cultural beliefs and customs. Unlike the experience of many indigenous communities around the world, the Maori maintain full human rights in terms of their culture. They are even protected under the law from racial discrimination specifically in the workplace. This allows them to continue to have wear and obtain their traditional full body and face tribal tattoos which in their community is a sign of honor and strength.

    Traditionally the Maori people are an incredibly spiritual community. They believe that all things are connected and spiritual. They believe that nature is living and breathing, thus creating a spiritual connection with people and nature. Napu, meaning sacred or prohibited,  is a spiritual belief that certain things, places, and people are to not be touched. Some Napu cannot even be approached if the individual is not a priest/spiritual guide. The two types of Tapu are public and private. Private Tapu is specific to individuals but public Tapu is specific to communities. All forms of fine arts are considered to be Tapu. Nao, meaning blessing, removes or lifts the Tapu from a certain person, place or thing making it accessible to all. Although many Maori today identify as Christian, Tapu and Nao traditions remain a part of their culture.

Traditional Maori music usually includes a variety of aerophones and idiophones. Some of the most popular aerophones include but are not limited to: Koauau (wooden flute), Pukaea (wooden trumpet), Koauau ponga ihu (nose flute), and Putatara (conch trumpet). Some of the most popular idiophones include but are not limited to: Pahu pounamu (jade gong), and Tumutumu (a ‘found’ percussion instrument). For a period of time the Maori people were very particular about which instruments they used and their music consisted mostly of voices because of the influence of Christianity. Now the community has welcomed the use of more modern instruments back into their music like guitars, drums, and ukuleles.  

Putatara: 

Maori musical traditions developed in the form of Waita (songs), Haka (dance) as well as Moteatea (chants). There are different types of songs and chants that are used for very specific times. For example, a Karakia chant is a form of prayer or incantation. A WaiataTangi is a song specifically used for a time of mourning. While there are many different musical traditions, Haka is usually the one that is easily associated with the Maori community from people around the world.

Waiata Tanji:

Haka is a traditional dance originally used to intimidate the opposing side in war. It was also performed when people came together in peace. Many professional teams from New Zealand begin games with Haka as a tradition. They do this not only to intimidate the other team but also as a way to represent and honor their Maori roots. Maori Games and Haka describes the traditional dance as “A composition played by many instruments. Hands, feet, legs, body, voice, tongue, and eyes all play there part in blending together to convey in their fullness the challenge, welcome, exultation, defiance, or contempt of the words.” The dance involves slapping your hands and legs as well as stomping your feet in a rhythmic pattern. When performed in a group, it often displays the groups pride, strength, and unity. There are certain Hakas that are only for men, only for women, and to be performed together. The significance of which Haka is performed is based on what you are trying to express when performing it.

The Maori tribe is one that is incredibly rich in culture to this day. They are the second largest ethnic group in New Zealand and are a picture of what can happen when ethnic minority groups are determined to keep their culture alive and strong. The Maori language is even recognized as a national language. In recent years there has been even more of an effort to preserve the Maori culture within the education system by ensuring that a substantial amount of teaching within their communities is taught in their own language. The Maori community continues to break barriers within the educational, entertainment, and political world as their population grows tremendously every year. Although the community has definitely modernized over the years, the Maori have remained true in identity.

works cited

Darge, Moniek. “Taonga Pūoro ” logosfoundation.org, August 6, 1998. 

Newworldencyclopedia.org. “Maori,” n.d. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Maori.

My.ChristchurchCityLibraries.com. “Māori Music — Taonga Pūoro,” n.d.

https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/maori-music-taonga-puoro/.

Nunns, Richard. “Taonga Pūoro.” Richardnunns.nz, n.d. https://richardnunns.nz/category/taonga-puoro/.