Stick your tongue out. Way out. Go ahead. Now bulge your eyes. Move around a bit. You have just performed a typical move of the Haka, an ancient Maori ceremonial dance. The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand with a unique culture preserved for many centuries. They arrived from Polynesia and settled in the country in the mid-1300s creating a treasured part of New Zealand’s identity. Often referred to as the original New Zealanders, the Maori culture is worth exploring for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of cultural legacies.
The best way to learn about a culture is to be part of their daily activities. In Maori culture, some activities are open to everyone while others require an invitation. Luckily, there are several ways to immerse yourself into the culture of the Maori and understand its ins and outs.
Maori facial expressions are important part of ceremonial dances.
Become a Maori
You can be part of the Maori culture when in New Zealand by stepping into their shoes and becoming one of them even for a day.
Say hello using the hongi. This style of salutation is an up close and warm but may feel out of the norm for visitors used to the regular handshake. It involves the two people greeting each other pressing up against each other with their foreheads and noses touching. The Maori believe that the greeting unifies two souls as they share the breath of life. Try it out when meeting locals to see their reaction.
Maoris use tattoos now to reflect an
individual’s family and personal history.
Ever thought of getting a tattoo? How about an authentic Maori tattoo? The drawings on the face of a Maori have a deep meaning and not just a simple tattoo. It comprises spiral patterns and curved shapes drawn on the entire face to symbolize power, prestige, rank, or social status with their location conveying specific information. Backs, chests, arms, shoulders, and legs can be tattooed as well. Maori-inspired designs are available to those not affiliated with the people, but make sure to have a full understanding of the design and seek the services of those knowledgeable in this style so your tatoo is culturally sensitive.
Live like a Maori
Maori culture is still alive in New Zealand with many of its tribesmen practicing its cultural beliefs. One of the best ways to experience life like a Maori is to visit the Tamaki Maori Village. The village is a recreation of a traditional homestead in the Tawa forest, which is 200 years old. At Tamaki, you will be ushered into the daily
routine of a Maori community before they came into contact with the outside world. Indulge in their food, songs and stories as you tour every corner of the intriguing homestead.
Celebrations are an integral part of Maori life as you will see at the village. Take part in a welcome ceremony known as the pōwhiri, which is one of the
The marae of the Maoris provide communal space for meetings, celebrations and other Maori community events.
most famous cultural attractions in the country. The dance is open to visitors who would like to join the locals as they guide them into the village. If you are up to it, watch the cultural performers reenact the use of taiaha, an ancient method of killing their cultural enemies. Maori warriors used to strike and twist the head of opponents to expose the brain, which was a delicacy.
Hangi is a traditional meal cooked underground featuring a variety of meats, fish and vegetables.
Eat like a Maori
Sharing a meal with someone of a different culture is one of the best ways to experience their way of life. For the Maori, being a part of the hangi meal is a great way to celebrate your time with them.
Prepared and cooked in a hole underground, the delicious food has lots of variety. The culinary technique involves the use of a hole lined with aluminium foil, hot rocks and sometimes wire baskets. Some of the foods cooked hangi style include potatoes, vegetables, chicken and fish.
Besides enjoying the delicious food, you can also take part in the cooking. Although hangi method sounds easy, it’s quite strenuous but the community aspect of it, makes it worth it. Participating in hangi has a two-in-one benefit of learning a new cooking method while interacting with locals as you cook together because the food preparation takes time.
Dance like a Maori
If you are a rugby fan, you have probably seen the New Zealand All Blacks team perform their famous Haka dance. The dance, whose famous composition Ka Mate was written by an ancient Maori chief, celebrates life triumphing over death.
Being part of dances like the Haka, is a great way of indulging in the Maori culture. You don’t have to get the steps right the first time, but your willingness to try will be a step in the right direction. The Maori culture is filled with actions such as rhythmic movements, gestures, poetry and a combination of dances. It may be hard to believe but most dances
The haka performed by the Maori as a ceremony or challenge displays the pride, strength and unity of the group.
are hinged on verbal expressions with little or no singing. Although most dances, were performed to scare off opponents, they are now more symbolic than threatening. The focus is on demonstrating the warrior spirit of the Maori people. It is believed that this spirit is the reason for the preservation of their robust culture to this day.
Are you interested in travelling to New Zealand for your own Maori experience? Are you wondering where to begin planning your trip? I am an expert in curating personalized trips to New Zealand to see and interact with the Maori. Call me today and let’s begin to plan your trip for a cultural experience of a lifetime.
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