Maori Culture

To answer the question of "who wears korowai cloaks?", it is important to clarify what a korowai is.  A korowai is a Maori cloak, finely woven from flax (harakeke), and decorated...

Pounamu (greenstone) is hugely significant in Maori culture, particularly to the Ngai Tahu iwi (tribe) who are the kaitiaki (guardians) of the stone. Found only in the South Island of...

Maori have their own mythological fairies, called Patupaiarehe.  These beings inhabit the forests and mountains, and usually only venture out at night or when there is fog or mist to...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.  ...

The Kotiate (pronounced courtee-ah-teh) was a pre-European Maori weapon (club) used in close combat. Of particular note are the carved notches on each side of the flat blade.  The notches...

Mere pounamu, usually just called a mere, are the most highly prized Maori weapon.  A form of patu, or club, the mere is prized for its weight, beauty and strength....

The tewhatewha is a Maori two-handed weapon not seen as much as patu and taiaha during battle, but still considered an important weapon, particularly in the hands of chiefs.  It was...

The Tokotoko, or ceremonial carved Walking Stick, are generally carried by those who have authority to speak on the Marae (Meeting House). Those who carry a Tokotoko are usually of...