1.2 Māori social structure, iwi, and hapū
4 min read•august 15, 2024
Māori society was built on a complex social structure rooted in genealogy and . (tribes) and (subtribes) formed the backbone, with and rangatira leading. Roles were defined by rank, but skill could boost status.
(genealogy) was crucial, shaping identity and social standing. It determined rights, responsibilities, and connections to land and people. (extended family) provided the foundation for daily life, offering support and passing on cultural knowledge.
Māori Social Hierarchy
Structure and Roles
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- Traditional Māori society organized into complex hierarchical structure based on genealogical descent and mana (prestige or authority)
- Ariki (paramount chief) held highest rank within social hierarchy
- Rangatira (chiefs) occupied second tier of leadership
- (elders) provided wisdom and guidance
- (commoners) formed the general population
- (experts) held special status regardless of genealogical rank
- Specialized in various fields (spiritual matters, navigation, carving)
- (sacred or restricted) maintained social order and defined relationships between hierarchy levels
- Social mobility possible through exceptional skill, leadership in warfare, or strategic marriages
- Genealogical descent remained primary determinant of status
Influence and Dynamics
- Hierarchical structure influenced all aspects of daily life
- Resource allocation (distribution of food, land use rights)
- Decision-making processes (tribal councils, conflict resolution)
- Ceremonial practices (rituals, formal gatherings)
- Social status determined seating arrangements at formal gatherings ()
- Higher-ranking individuals had greater access to resources and decision-making power
- Lower-ranking members provided labor and support for communal projects
- Hierarchy reinforced through oral traditions and whakapapa recitation
Iwi vs Hapū
Organizational Structure
- Iwi large tribal groups consisting of several related hapū
- Hapū smaller subtribes or clans within an iwi
- Iwi claim descent from common ancestor
- Associated with specific geographical area or
- Hapū more localized units within iwi territory
- Often centered around particular marae (meeting grounds)
- Iwi size varied greatly (hundreds to tens of thousands of members)
- Hapū typically ranged from 100 to 1000 members
Leadership and Responsibilities
- Iwi leaders (often ariki) responsible for:
- Maintaining relationships with other iwi
- Negotiating land and resource issues
- Representing tribe in broader political contexts
- Leading inter-tribal war parties
- Hapū leaders (often rangatira) managed:
- Day-to-day affairs within their specific area
- Resource distribution (fishing rights, garden plots)
- Dispute resolution among hapū members
- Organizing communal activities (harvests, building projects)
- Iwi provided broader identity and collective strength
- Crucial for inter-tribal matters and large-scale conflicts
- Hapū offered immediate support and community for daily life
- Primary unit for most social and economic activities
Dynamic Relationships
- Relationship between iwi and hapū dynamic and fluid
- Hapū sometimes shifted allegiances or formed new iwi over time
- Caused by population growth, migration, or political changes
- Some hapū gained prominence and became iwi in their own right
- Example: Te Āti Awa split from Taranaki iwi
- Iwi confederations formed for mutual defense or resource management
- Example: Waikato-Tainui confederation
- Hapū could have multiple iwi affiliations through complex whakapapa connections
Importance of Whakapapa
Identity and Social Structure
- Whakapapa foundation of Māori identity
- Determined individual's place within social hierarchy
- Established connections to land, resources, and other people
- Recitation of whakapapa crucial skill in Māori culture
- Performed during formal introductions (mihimihi)
- Established one's lineage and connections to others present
- Influenced marriage practices
- Unions often arranged to strengthen political alliances
- Maintained mana of high-ranking families
- Avoided marriages between close relatives
Cultural and Political Significance
- Knowledge of whakapapa essential for tribal decision-making processes
- Established rights and responsibilities within community
- Determined speaking rights at formal gatherings
- Extended beyond human ancestry to include connections to natural world
- Linked Māori to their environment
- Reinforced concepts of (guardianship)
- Preservation and transmission of whakapapa knowledge sacred duty
- Often entrusted to specific individuals within community
- Required memorization and recitation of complex genealogies
- Some whakapapa traced back 30 generations or more
Contemporary Relevance
- Whakapapa remains important in modern Māori society
- Used in land claims and treaty settlements
- Helps maintain cultural identity in urban settings
- Digital technologies now aid in recording and sharing whakapapa
- Online databases and genealogy software
- Whakapapa knowledge crucial for participating in iwi affairs and accessing iwi resources
Significance of Whānau
Structure and Function
- Whānau basic unit of Māori social organization
- Extended beyond nuclear family to include:
- Multiple generations (grandparents, parents, children)
- Collateral relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins)
- Provided support network for:
- Child-rearing (shared responsibility among adults)
- Economic cooperation (pooled resources and labor)
- Transmission of cultural knowledge and practices
- Decision-making within whānau often collective
- Elders (kaumātua) played significant role in guiding and advising younger members
- Determined rights and responsibilities regarding:
- Land use (cultivation rights, access to resources)
- Participation in communal activities (, tangihanga)
Cultural Concepts and Adaptations
- (kinship and sense of family connection) extended whānau principles
- Included close friends and allies beyond blood relations
- Fostered strong social bonds and mutual support systems
- Modern Māori society adapted whānau concept to urban settings
- Urban marae established to maintain cultural practices
- Whānau groups formed around shared interests or workplaces
- Whānau concept applied in education and health initiatives
- Whānau-centered approaches in schools and healthcare
- Contemporary challenges to whānau structure
- Geographic dispersion of family members
- Intergenerational transmission of language and culture
Key Terms to Review (28)
Ariki: Ariki refers to the chief or leader in Māori society, typically holding a position of authority and respect within an iwi or hapū. This title signifies a person who embodies leadership qualities, including wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to govern and represent their people, connecting deeply with the social structure and organization of Māori communities.
Assimilation: Assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms, values, and practices of another group, often leading to a loss of their original cultural identity. In the context of Māori social structure, iwi, and hapū, assimilation played a significant role in shaping interactions between Māori and European settlers, impacting traditional ways of life and community organization.
Colonialism: Colonialism is a practice where a country establishes control over a foreign territory, exploiting its resources and people while imposing its own culture and governance. This often leads to significant social, economic, and political changes in the colonized region, impacting indigenous populations and altering their way of life.
Dame Whina Cooper: Dame Whina Cooper was a prominent Māori leader and activist, recognized for her dedication to the rights of Māori people and her role in advocating for land rights. Her efforts significantly contributed to the Māori social structure, particularly in mobilizing iwi and hapū to unite for their collective interests. Cooper’s legacy is also deeply tied to the quest for self-determination and tino rangatiratanga, emphasizing the importance of Māori sovereignty and cultural identity.
Hapū: A hapū is a sub-tribe or extended family group within the Māori social structure, typically made up of several related whānau (families). It serves as a fundamental building block of Māori society, connecting individuals to their iwi (tribe) and facilitating community organization, governance, and cultural practices. The hapū plays a critical role in the social, political, and economic aspects of Māori life, emphasizing kinship and collective identity.
Hui: A hui is a gathering or assembly of Māori people for discussion, decision-making, or cultural events. These gatherings serve as important occasions for iwi and hapū to come together to share information, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen social ties. Hui can encompass various activities, including discussions about land issues, community projects, or cultural ceremonies, reflecting the communal values central to Māori society.
Iwi: Iwi refers to the largest social unit within Māori society, often translated as 'tribe' in English. An iwi is typically made up of several hapū, or sub-tribes, and it serves as a key aspect of Māori identity, culture, and social structure. The connections between iwi are grounded in shared ancestry and historical ties, which create a sense of belonging and collective responsibility among its members.
Kāinga: Kāinga refers to a traditional Māori settlement or home base, often encompassing not only the physical dwelling but also the surrounding land and resources utilized by a whānau (family) or hapū (sub-tribe). This term is closely tied to the social structure of Māori communities, where the kāinga serves as a hub for social organization, cultural practices, and the fostering of relationships within iwi (tribes) and hapū.
Kaitiakitanga: Kaitiakitanga refers to the Māori concept of guardianship and protection of the environment, which embodies a deep responsibility for caring for natural resources and ensuring their sustainability for future generations. This principle connects strongly with various aspects of Māori culture, including economic practices, spiritual beliefs, social structures, cultural identity, and self-determination.
Kapa haka: Kapa haka refers to a traditional Māori performing art that combines dance, singing, and chanting, often incorporating elements of Māori culture and history. This art form serves as a means of cultural expression and identity, fostering community pride and unity among iwi and hapū while also preserving the Māori language and traditions for future generations.
Kaumātua: Kaumātua are respected elders within Māori communities, playing a crucial role in maintaining cultural knowledge, traditions, and practices. They serve as leaders, advisors, and decision-makers in social structures, particularly within iwi and hapū, ensuring the transmission of wisdom and customs to younger generations. Their influence extends to cultural revitalization efforts, like the Kōhanga Reo movement, where their guidance is essential in preserving the Māori language and identity.
Land wars: Land wars refer to a series of conflicts that took place in New Zealand during the 19th century, primarily between Māori groups and European settlers over land ownership and usage rights. These wars were not only battles for land but also represented broader issues of sovereignty, cultural identity, and the struggle for control over resources, highlighting the deepening tensions between colonizers and the indigenous population.
Mana: Mana is a fundamental concept in Māori culture that represents spiritual power, authority, and influence. It is often seen as a form of prestige or status, derived from one's ancestry, actions, and accomplishments. In the context of Māori social structures, mana is closely linked to leadership within iwi and hapū, influencing relationships and governance. Additionally, mana plays a vital role in the cultural revitalization efforts such as the Kōhanga Reo movement, where it helps to empower communities and instill pride in Māori language and identity.
Māori Creation Stories: Māori creation stories are traditional narratives that explain the origins of the world, humanity, and the natural environment from the Māori perspective. These stories often emphasize the relationships between gods, ancestors, and the land, reflecting the deep connection that Māori people have with their identity, social structure, iwi (tribes), and hapū (sub-tribes). They are foundational to Māori culture, illustrating how cosmology influences social organization and community values.
Marae: A marae is a communal or sacred place that serves as a focal point for Māori social, cultural, and spiritual life. It typically includes a wharenui (meeting house), which is intricately decorated with Māori art and carvings, reflecting the history and identity of the iwi or hapū. The marae embodies the social structure of Māori communities, representing their heritage and functioning as a venue for important ceremonies, gatherings, and events.
Rangatiratanga: Rangatiratanga refers to the chieftainship or authority of Māori tribes over their own lands, people, and resources. It embodies the principles of self-determination and autonomy within Māori society, emphasizing the importance of iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes) in governing their own affairs. This concept plays a significant role in understanding the dynamics of Māori social structure and the differing interpretations of the Treaty, as it highlights the expectations of Māori sovereignty and rights to self-governance.
Rohe: Rohe refers to the traditional territory or geographic area associated with a particular iwi (tribe) or hapū (sub-tribe) in Māori culture. This term is central to understanding the relationship between Māori people and their land, as it encompasses not only the physical space but also the cultural, spiritual, and social significance that these areas hold for their communities. The concept of rohe highlights the importance of land in defining identity and governance within Māori social structure.
Tamariki: Tamariki refers to children in the Māori culture and plays a crucial role in Māori social structure, emphasizing the importance of youth within iwi and hapū. The term embodies not just the younger generation but also highlights the responsibilities of adults to nurture and educate them, ensuring the continuation of traditions and cultural practices. Tamariki are viewed as vital members of the community, whose well-being is intertwined with the collective health of their iwi and hapū.
Tāne mahuta: Tāne Mahuta is a significant figure in Māori mythology, revered as the god of forests and birds. He is also recognized as the creator of humans and plays a crucial role in the separation of his parents, Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother). This connection emphasizes not only his importance within spiritual beliefs but also his influence on the social structure and identity of iwi and hapū, where he symbolizes the relationship between people and the natural world.
Tapu: Tapu refers to a sacred status or restriction placed on people, places, or objects within Māori culture. This concept is integral to understanding Māori social structure as it establishes the spiritual significance and boundaries that govern interactions within iwi and hapū. The idea of tapu not only influences the social hierarchy but also reinforces respect for ancestral traditions and the interconnectedness of community members.
Te Kooti: Te Kooti was a prominent Māori leader and revolutionary figure in New Zealand during the 19th century, known for his role in the resistance against colonial rule and his establishment of the Ringatū religion. His actions are significant in understanding the Māori social structure, as he mobilized iwi and hapū to unite against land alienation and seek justice through various means, including warfare. Te Kooti's legacy is also closely tied to the impacts of the Native Land Court, which facilitated land loss for Māori people, fueling his resistance efforts.
Tohunga: Tohunga refers to a skilled expert or practitioner in Māori culture, often associated with spiritual, healing, and traditional knowledge. These individuals hold significant authority within their communities, serving as advisors in matters of spirituality, medicine, and cultural practices, thus intertwining their roles with both mythology and social structure.
Treaty of Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi is a document signed in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and various Māori chiefs, intended to establish a legal framework for the relationship between Māori and settlers. It is considered New Zealand's founding document, symbolizing the agreement between two distinct cultures and serving as a pivotal point in New Zealand's history.
Tūtūā: Tūtūā refers to the traditional Māori concept of a chief or leader within the social structure, particularly emphasizing the role and responsibilities of individuals within iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes). This term highlights the importance of leadership, communal relationships, and social organization in Māori culture, where the tūtūā plays a vital role in guiding and protecting their people, making decisions that affect the community's welfare.
Wāhine: Wāhine is a Māori term that translates to 'women' and holds significant cultural importance within Māori society. In the context of Māori social structure, wāhine play crucial roles not only as nurturers and caregivers but also as leaders and decision-makers in their iwi and hapū. Their status reflects the interconnectedness of gender roles within the fabric of Māori culture, emphasizing the value placed on both men and women in sustaining social structures.
Whakapapa: Whakapapa is a Māori term that refers to genealogy, lineage, and the interconnectedness of people, places, and events. It serves as a foundational concept in Māori culture, linking individuals to their ancestors, iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), and the land, while also influencing art, mythology, social structures, and cultural practices.
Whānau: Whānau refers to extended family in Māori culture, encompassing not only immediate relatives but also broader connections that may include close friends and community members. This term highlights the importance of kinship ties in social structure and relationships, as whānau is central to Māori identity and plays a crucial role in both social organization and the traditional economy. The concept underscores the collaborative nature of Māori society, where whānau groups often work together for mutual support and resource sharing.
Whānaungatanga: Whānaungatanga is a Māori concept that emphasizes the importance of kinship, relationships, and family connections. It highlights the shared sense of belonging and responsibility among individuals within a whānau (extended family) and reinforces social structures within iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes). This notion is foundational to Māori culture, serving as a means of social cohesion and mutual support.