Maori culture

Mythology

Like many Indigenous peoples, gods and legends¹ are an integral part of Maori culture. There is a strong sense of whakapapa, or family links² in the hierarchy of gods. Compare Aboriginal Dreaming³ stories with Maori⁴ mythology. Both are trying to give meaning to the natural world. Use this template for comparison.⁵

Architecture

Maori architecture is a visual depiction of whakapapa. Depending on its size, iwi, hapu or whanau lived in an area called a marae⁶. 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 Angas⁷, public domain⁸

A Maori meeting house or wharenui

A wharenui, or meeting house

©George Angus⁹, public domain⁸

The focus of the marae was the wharenui¹⁰, which represented a tribal ancestor. This building was an intensely spiritual place. Learn more about the significance of the wharenui in this interactive¹¹

Moko

The significance of ancestors¹² is also seen in the Maori moko. Indeed, the art of symbolic tattooing is practised widely across Polynesia¹³. More than just decoration, moko illustrates links to the past¹⁴. 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 haka¹⁷ performed by New Zealand teams, especially the All Blacks. Find out about the history and significance¹⁸ of the haka to the Maori.

Hangi

Cooking by earth ovens has also been practised all over Polynesia. Read how to make a hangi¹⁹ or watch a hangi being prepared and cooked²⁰. Think about traditional alternatives to some of the ‘modern’ objects used. Now create a flowchart ²¹ to show the process used to make a hangi.