Maori Tribe

20.11.2024

Maori Tribe

Why in the news?   

New Zealand’s Parliament was briefly suspended following a protest by the Indigenous Māori group’s legislators, who staged a “haka”, or ceremonial dance, against a contentious Bill.

About Maori Tribe:

• The Maori Tribe is an indigenous tribe who have inhabited New Zealand for centuries.
• Maori were originally settled primarily in the northern parts of the North Island, New Zealand. The South Island was much more sparsely settled.
• Culturally, they are Polynesians, most closely related to eastern Polynesians.
• Maori culture has endured centuries of torture and struggle, first in the hands of the ‘Crown’, and later others who wished to claim a spot on their land.

○Language: Maori is classified as part of the Polynesian Group of the Eastern Oceanic Branch of the Austronesian languages.

• Approximately one-third of the Maori still speak their ancestral language, with the vast majority fluent in English as well.
• According to data from the 2013 census, there were 598,605 Māori in the country, making up 9 percent of the total population.
• Their distinctive costumes serve as a visual expression of their heritage, reflecting their deep connection to the land and ancestral spirits.
• The most famous aspect of Maori culture is the Haka, a powerful war dance known for its intensity, facial expressions, and rhythm.
• Another very prominent identity of the Maori people are their tattoos, which can be seen on their faces.

○These tattoos are called ‘ta moko’ which is a traditional Maori art form, deeply symbolic and respected.

○Ta moko designs are unique to each person and are a depiction of their social status, their genealogy, what they have done for society, and more.

Other popular hakas include:

• Peruperu: A war haka performed before battle to intimidate the enemy and demonstrate strength.
• Ngeri: A short haka without set actions, often used to stiffen the sinews and uplift the spirit.
• Pōwhiri: A welcoming haka performed during formal greeting ceremonies.
• Manawa wera: A haka performed at funerals or memorials to express grief.

                                                                Source: Indian Express

Maori Tribe, recently seen in the news, is indigenous to which country?

A.Papua New Guinea

B.New Zealand

C.Canada

D.Indonesia

Answer D