Maori Culture Maori Culture

So, the wearing of greenstone is not restricted to Maori. What is more important is for the wearer to recognise the mana that pounamu holds, and that it is supposed to be handed down through the generations.

So, the wearing of greenstone is not restricted to Maori. What is more important is for the wearer to recognise the mana that pounamu holds, and that it is supposed to be handed down through the generations.

According to Maori legend, the first haka was performed by a group of Maori women, who tricked a Maori chief (Kae) into smiling at their dance (haka), identifying him as the person their own chief, Tinirau, wanted to kill in revenge for Kae killing the pet whale of Tinirau. The whale was lent to Kae so he could return the whale to his homeland across...

According to Maori legend, the first haka was performed by a group of Maori women, who tricked a Maori chief (Kae) into smiling at their dance (haka), identifying him as the person their own chief, Tinirau, wanted to kill in revenge for Kae killing the pet whale of Tinirau. The whale was lent to Kae so he could return the whale to his homeland across...

The Taiaha (pronounced Tie-uh-ha) is a Maori weapon used in close hand-to-hand combat.  Usually made from a hardwood, the taiaha was used to strike and to stab, but mostly to strike with the rau, the blade. Parts of the taiaha are: Upoko: the head of the taiaha, including a carved head with paua shell eyes, and an arero, a tongue. Below the upoko are...

The Taiaha (pronounced Tie-uh-ha) is a Maori weapon used in close hand-to-hand combat.  Usually made from a hardwood, the taiaha was used to strike and to stab, but mostly to strike with the rau, the blade. Parts of the taiaha are: Upoko: the head of the taiaha, including a carved head with paua shell eyes, and an arero, a tongue. Below the upoko are...

Patu is the Maori name for a club or pounder.  It was a common weapon used in hand-to-hand combat by Maori in inter-tribal wars or conflicts. Patu were made from wood, whalebone, stone, or greenstone.  If made from greenstone, it was usually called a mere, or mere pounamu. If made from stone, it was a patu onewa; if made from whalebone it was called a patu paraoa; if...

Patu is the Maori name for a club or pounder.  It was a common weapon used in hand-to-hand combat by Maori in inter-tribal wars or conflicts. Patu were made from wood, whalebone, stone, or greenstone.  If made from greenstone, it was usually called a mere, or mere pounamu. If made from stone, it was a patu onewa; if made from whalebone it was called a patu paraoa; if...

The Maori Wahaika (pronounced wa-ha-eeka) is a pre-European club used in close combat.  The word translates to "mouth of the fish", which relates to the notch on one side of the club.   Wahaika were made from either whalebone or wood.  They usually had a concave back, with the notch in the middle, the butt carved in the form of a head (usually with a paua...

The Maori Wahaika (pronounced wa-ha-eeka) is a pre-European club used in close combat.  The word translates to "mouth of the fish", which relates to the notch on one side of the club.   Wahaika were made from either whalebone or wood.  They usually had a concave back, with the notch in the middle, the butt carved in the form of a head (usually with a paua...