Maori

Definition

The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They have a rich cultural heritage, unique language, and deep connection to the land, which are central to their identity and worldview as an indigenous population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Maori people have inhabited New Zealand for over 700 years, with a rich oral tradition and cultural practices passed down through generations.
2. The Maori language, known as Te Reo Maori, is an official language of New Zealand and is closely tied to their cultural identity and worldview.
3. Maori spirituality is deeply rooted in their connection to the land, with a belief in the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of maintaining balance in the natural world.
4. Maori art, including intricate wood carvings, weaving, and tattooing (known as Ta Moko), are integral to their cultural expression and storytelling.
5. The Maori people have faced significant challenges, including the loss of land and resources due to colonization, but have fought to preserve their language, customs, and rights as the indigenous population of New Zealand.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the Maori concept of Whakapapa and how it relates to their identity and worldview.
  • The Maori concept of Whakapapa, or genealogy, is fundamental to their sense of identity and belonging. It represents the interconnectedness of all living things, tracing one's ancestral lineage and establishing a deep connection to the land, ancestors, and the spiritual realm. Whakapapa is not just a record of one's family tree, but a way of understanding one's place in the world and the responsibilities that come with that. It shapes the Maori's holistic perspective on their relationship with the environment and their role as kaitiaki, or guardians, of the land.
• Describe the Maori principle of Kaitiakitanga and its importance in their approach to environmental stewardship.
  • Kaitiakitanga is the Maori principle of environmental guardianship and responsibility for the sustainable management of natural resources. It reflects the Maori's deep connection to the land and their belief in the interdependence of all living things. As kaitiaki, or guardians, the Maori people see themselves as having a duty to protect and care for the land, water, and other natural resources, ensuring their responsible use and preservation for future generations. This holistic approach to environmental stewardship is a fundamental aspect of Maori philosophy and a key component of their indigenous worldview.
• Analyze the role of Maori cultural practices, such as art and language, in the preservation and transmission of their unique identity and traditional knowledge.
  • Maori cultural practices, including art, language, and traditional knowledge, are essential to the preservation and transmission of their unique identity and worldview. The Maori language, Te Reo Maori, is closely tied to their cultural identity and serves as a vehicle for the expression of their values, beliefs, and traditional knowledge. Maori art, such as intricate wood carvings, weaving, and tattooing (Ta Moko), are not merely decorative, but rather serve as a means of storytelling, preserving historical narratives, and conveying the Maori's deep connection to the land and their ancestors. These cultural practices are not only a source of pride and identity for the Maori people, but also play a crucial role in the intergenerational transmission of their traditional knowledge, spiritual beliefs, and holistic understanding of the world, which are central to their indigenous philosophy.

Related terms

Tikanga: The Maori system of values, customs, and protocols that guide their way of life and interactions with the natural and spiritual worlds.

Whakapapa: The Maori concept of genealogy and ancestral lineage, which is fundamental to their sense of identity and belonging.

Kaitiakitanga: The Maori principle of environmental guardianship and responsibility for the sustainable management of natural resources.