MAORI HAKA DANCE : ART & CULTURE

MAORI HAKA DANCE : ART & CULTURE

NEWS: What is the Maori Haka dance, which New Zealand’s MPs performed in parliament in protest of a bill?

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The Maori Haka, a traditional ceremonial dance symbolizing pride and unity, was performed in New Zealand's Parliament to protest a contentious bill. The Maori tribe, indigenous to New Zealand, are known for their cultural identity, including ta moko tattoos and storytelling through haka.

Recent Protest in New Zealand Parliament

Protest Using Haka Dance:

  • Members of New Zealand’s Parliament performed the Maori Haka dance to protest against a contentious bill, leading to a temporary suspension of parliamentary proceedings.
  • The act highlighted the cultural significance of the haka as a medium for political expression and social justice advocacy.

 

 

 

About the Maori Tribe

Origins:

  • Indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand.
  • Settlers arrived from East Polynesia via canoe voyages between 1320 and 1350 CE.

Demographics:

  • Maoris are the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand after European New Zealanders.

Cultural Legacy and Struggles:

  • Maori culture endured centuries of oppression, initially under colonial rule by the Crown and later due to other settlers.
  • They continue to face economic and social challenges, including:
  • Lower life expectancies and incomes.
  • Higher levels of crime, health issues, imprisonment, and educational underachievement.

Language:

  • Speak Austronesian languages alongside English.

Tattoos - Ta Moko:

  • Unique facial tattoos that signify social status, ancestry, and personal identity.
  • Ta moko is deeply symbolic and a hallmark of Maori cultural identity


About the Haka Dance

Cultural Significance:

  • Traditional Maori ceremonial dance, embodying pride, strength, and unity.
  • Originally performed by warriors before battles to intimidate opponents or to welcome guests.

Elements of the Haka:

  • Chanting (Waiata).
  • Expressive facial gestures (wide eyes, protruding tongues).
  • Coordinated hand movements and foot stamping.

Medium of Expression:

  • Used for storytelling, celebrating victories, honoring ancestors, and expressing grievances.
  • Integral to political protests, advocating for Maori rights and social justice.

International Popularity:

·         Popularized globally by the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, as a pre-match ritual symbolizing unity and respect.

 

Types of Haka

·         Peruperu: War haka, aimed at intimidating enemies before battle.

·         Ngeri: A shorter haka designed to boost morale.

·         Powhiri:Welcoming haka performed during ceremonial events.

·         Manawa Wera:Performed at funerals to express grief and honor the departed.

Implications of the Haka in Modern Times

·         Symbol of Resistance:A powerful medium for expressing cultural pride and political resistance, as seen in the recent parliamentary protest.

·         Cultural Revival:The haka has become a symbol of Maori resilience and a means to reclaim cultural heritage.

·         Global Recognition:It reinforces the global identity of the Maori culture, making it synonymous with New Zealand’s cultural diplomacy.