1. Introduction
Last year, I took Mrs. Tsutsui’s class to understand intercultural and I get to be interested in HAKA and Maori culture. Then I decided to look into Maori culture as theme of summer study abroad program.
2. In Kumamoto
① What the tribe of Maori is like?
Maori is aborigines who settled in the present of New Zealand first. It is about one thousand years ago that Maori came all the way from Hawaiki where their ancestors’ hometown is. Maori is “TANGATA WHENUA”, aborigines, and Maori culture is inseparable from live of New Zealand. Also, Maori culture is the cornerstone of New Zealand culture and it is an important part of New Zealand culture. New Zealand has a population of about 4,000,000 and fifteen percent of New Zealand is descended from Maori. “Maori” is a race that constitutes tribes. Land tribes are called “IWI” in Maori language. Maori culture is known to its abundance and variety from traditionally and modern ones.
Maori kept the ground of New Zealand to themselves until about two hundred years ago. Australia is a long way from New Zealand. Therefore Maori had nothing to do with other tribes, and both their own culture and life style developed. Immigrants who came from Europe between Maori broke out a lot of issues. And then, the issues made war, so Maori lost most of their grounds. Presently, the population of the Europe increased more than that of Maori. Maori had to change the traditional life in order to survive. However, Maori have lived as a tribe since then. Most of the unique culture of Maori has lived too. Now, Maori speaks English, wears the same clothes of a common New Zealander, and lives the kind of same
house as them. In spite of Maori having different convictions and faith, they are fully aware of having history and background.
② What Maori culture is like?
Maori grew crops, cut trees down for establishment a village and then they started to settle down. It is very important thing for Maori to be an owner of the ground and have whatever relationship, because they were a big pride of each tribe. As Maori made more progress with settling down, a sense of unity developed to nature; like the mountain and river in their ground. And then nature is consecrate. Farming is very important thing to them, because farming stabilizes their live. Occasionally, farming is an occasion for war. Ground is stand for power and dignity.
Maori was not a Christian. They had original religion about worship many gods and the spirit. The religion rule everyday life. What is particularly important is "TAPU". This word mean holy and forbidden so it's same as "taboo". The matter considered to "TAPU" was certain places, things, actions, sometimes humankinds. People followed a clergyman who is called "TOFUNGA", and they kept away from him. In addition to that, they treated him very carefully and respectful. Otherwise, they believed to be terrible unfortunates and misfortunes.
Same as the religion, art is an important part in the Maori live. Maori likes to decorate. They troubled and used techniques to produce everything carefully. Maoris' art style is peculiar to this part of New Zealand. Maori find various materials and then, them though of new techniques and designs. So, Maoris' art became unique. Sculpture is male work. Textiles are female work. Maoris' male made the most elaborate sculpture. Maori tattooed on their body. They like tattoo however they used a small chisel and they direct to chisel on them skin. This way was involves intense pain. Male tattooed more than female. They tattooed the hips and thigh too. Females made various articles how to knit and weave. They used the plants about grows in New Zealand naturally. Maori didn't know a metal, so they use "POUNAMU", this is a green stone and it is a kind of jade, they made arms and ornaments. These articles are precious of Maori.
When white mans and Europeans came to New Zealand for invasion, Maori protect their original tradition and conform to European social slowly.
③ How Maori culture is succeeded?
New Zealand has a well-received country because human relationships are very good. However, there are a few problems between New Zealander and Maori. They are trying hard to build good relationships each other.
There are many sightseeing areas of Maori in New Zealand. We can learn about Maoris’ culture. I want to introduce some sightseeing areas of Maori.
・ Rotorua Museum of Art and History
・ Ohinemutu Maori Village
・ Tamaki Maori Village
Almost areas are in the Rotorua.
WAKA for a ceremony which is a symbol of a tradition and a custom for each tribe of Maori are main attraction of public events. A meeting is held on February 6th when is WAITANGI DAY every year, WAKA for a ceremony are opened to the public.
HAKA is famous for rugby team and ALL BLACKS of New Zealand. Also, a national athletic meet is held once two years.
Maori is fully aware of our culture lost, they determine protect their culture. Consequently, “MAORITANGA” has heightened interest in the New Zealand society. “MAORITANGA” means “Maoris’ own way” and “characteristic of Maori”. This is the revive movement of the Maori culture.
3. Conclusion
Maori culture is very unique and interest. I think Maori culture is different from the idea which I had expected. I knew “HONGI” which is a Maoris’ greeting only. The cultures which I know thought this investigation was faith, art and sculpture. I was impressed with volition and endeavor of Maori to maintain their traditions. I got to want to go to New Zealand more and more.
4. Bibliography
Look at the following example:
Gream Willem (1989). The translator, Chiyo Kawadu. The Maori of New Zealand. Tokyo: LIBRIO publication
MAORI CULTURE Retrieved May 26, 2009 from the World Web:
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/ja/media/topic-index/maori-culture/maori-culture_home.cfm[980 words]
Machiko M (machiko) (89 unread)
