Maori People, Traditions And Art

The first people to reach New Zealand were the Moa hunters

, who arrived about 1000 years ago. They were East Polynesians, mainly hunter, fishers and gardeners.

In 950 A.D. the Polynesian explorer Kupe discovered New Zealand and named it Aotearoa - the Land of the Long White Cloud. Today most travelers to New Zealand notice this long white cloud too. Centuries later, around 1300 A.D., a great migration of people from Hawaiki followed Kupe's directions and sailed to New Zealand. These people arrived in seven canoes and were called Maoris. According to Maori oral history, they eventually replaced and blended in with the Moa people.

The first European to set foot in New Zealand was Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, in 1642. After this voyage many Europeans had been visited this place.

New Zealand is the land of fascinating cultures. The indigenous Maori are known for their long history, attractive art and original stories of all time. Before the coming of Europeans to New Zealand, everything was passed orally - legends, myths, beliefs, rituals, songs, dances, forms of visual arts and other aspects of their culture and traditions. One of the most known traditions is the Haka, which refers to all Maori dances. It was mainly performed by men for different reasons, so they created different types of haka, which are still popular today. The cause that makes haka widely known is All Blacks - New Zealand international rugby team. Today, before every game, members of All Blacks perform haka - Ka Mate. This tradition lives on today.

Another tradition which makes Maori people unique is their facial and body tattoos, called Ta Moko. The tattooing by these people is actually ancient with its instrument - chisel, made of bone with a sharp edge which causes deep cuts in the skin. When finished, the skin has grooves. So this process is very long and painful. Every facial tattoo has its meaning - as the ID card or passport. Today this tradition is still very popular. People make Ta Moko in modern ways or with chisel, according to their wish.

Today most of the Maori live in New Zealand and the number of the population is increasing. Their culture is getting popular for the whole world. Every field of the culture is being taught in New Zealand schools. New Zealand is a peaceful country with little crime and a comfortable lifestyle as the people are friendly and outgoing. Country's interesting natural landscapes also draw many tourists from around the world and make travel and tourism a source of income for the country.

by: Helena

POST COMMENT

Boost Output And Morale With Staff Benefits Architectural Columns Give Your Property Quality And Value Inventive And Creepy Halloween Ideas Halloween Secrets And Pumpkin Painting Couples Counseling In 5 Minutes: How To Win An Emotion Based Arguments In Relationships And Marriage Ten Steps For Planning A Halloween Celebration - Inventive And Creepy Halloween Suggestions For Reve Boxshot King Review Easiest Boxshots And Ecover Graphic Computer Software Consider Beds And Chairs For Elderly People Bicornuate Uterus And The Termination Of Pregnancy The Connection Between Sleep Deprivation And Weight Loss Why Women Lose Their Shape With Age And Struggle With Weight Loss Joseph Glenn Commodities: The Bears Running Wild For A Decade In Stocks And The Bulls Running Rampan Health And Fitness Training Fitting Fitness Into Your Busy Day