Maori People
By Phillip Martins and Daniel Shabazz
Maori Culture and Tradition
- The Maori people live in New Zealand
- They are the indigenous people of their land
- About 15% of the population of 3.8 million is of Maori descent
- Maori believe all human descent from their ancestor Papatūānuku and Ranginui
- They believe that Kupe was the first Polynesian to discover New Zealand
- Maori believe that they are related to the natural world
- The Maori also have a traditional war dance called the Haka
All Black's Haka + Translation
Maori People today
- The Maori comprise about 15% of the New Zealand today
- Maori are more diverse in this day and age
- Some still live in their tribal area but most live in more urban center
- Most Maori figures are regarded as major national figures
- The Maori Language is national language of New Zealand
- In a recent census about 1 in 4 Maori could speak their language
Maori art
- Maorti art consisted of carving in wood, stone, or bone, geometrical designs in plaiting and weaving, painted designs on wood and on the walls of rock shelters, and tattooing
- Ethnologists believe Maori art came to an abrupt end when the European settlers came to New Zealand
- More major carved houses have been built in the last 30 years than in any like time in Maori history
- Many of the present-day carvers are descended from families which have produced outstanding carvers for centuries
Resources
newzealand.com, teara.govt.nz