Maori culture

Mythology

Like many Indigenous peoples, gods and legends are an integral part of Maori culture. There is a strong sense of whakapapa, or family links in the hierarchy of gods. Compare Aboriginal Dreaming stories with Maori mythology. Both are trying to give meaning to the natural world. Use this template for comparison.

Architecture

Maori architecture is a visual depiction of whakapapa. Depending on its size, iwi, hapu or whanau lived in an area called a marae. This was the hub of community living. Important events such as weddings, funerals and reunions were held here.

Painting of a Maori village or marae, including houses and palisades around it.

A marae, or communal area

©George Angas, public domain

A Maori meeting house or wharenui

A wharenui, or meeting house

©George Angus, public domain

The focus of the marae was the wharenui, which represented a tribal ancestor. This building was an intensely spiritual place. Learn more about the significance of the wharenui in this interactive

Moko

The significance of ancestors is also seen in the Maori moko. Indeed, the art of symbolic tattooing is practised widely across Polynesia. More than just decoration, moko illustrates links to the past. One Maori writer said, ‘it is about who we are, and whom we come from’.

Sketch of a Maori Chief displaying his moko.

A moko

Haka

Maori war dance

You may have seen the haka performed by New Zealand teams, especially the All Blacks. Find out about the history and significance of the haka to the Maori.

Hangi

Cooking by earth ovens has also been practised all over Polynesia. Read how to make a hangi or watch a hangi being prepared and cooked. Think about traditional alternatives to some of the ‘modern’ objects used. Now create a flowchart to show the process used to make a hangi.