Hapū

Definition

Hapū refers to a sub-tribe or clan within the Māori social structure in New Zealand, consisting of extended families that share a common ancestor. This term highlights the importance of kinship and collective identity among Māori, as hapū play a significant role in social organization, governance, and cultural practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hapū often govern themselves through traditional leadership structures, making decisions that affect their members and managing local resources.
2. The concept of hapū is rooted in Māori cosmology and spirituality, reinforcing connections to land, ancestors, and cultural heritage.
3. Many hapū maintain their own marae, which are communal meeting grounds used for gatherings, ceremonies, and cultural practices.
4. Hapū play a crucial role in contemporary Māori political representation, with many actively participating in local governance and treaty settlements.
5. The relationships between hapū can vary from cooperative to competitive, impacting how resources are shared and conflicts are resolved within Māori society.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of hapū contribute to the social structure and governance of Māori communities?
  • Hapū serves as a fundamental building block of Māori society, acting as a sub-tribe that organizes extended families around common ancestry. This structure allows for localized governance where hapū leaders make decisions on behalf of their members. The hapū system fosters strong kinship ties and community cohesion, essential for maintaining cultural practices and resource management within Māori communities.
• Discuss the relationship between hapū and iwi in the context of Māori identity and political representation.
  • Hapū are nested within iwi, which are larger tribal units composed of multiple hapū. This hierarchical relationship is crucial for Māori identity as it links individuals to broader tribal narratives while allowing for localized governance. In terms of political representation, hapū often advocate for their interests within the iwi framework, which can influence treaty settlements and resource allocation. The strength of this connection reinforces both individual and collective Māori identities in contemporary society.
• Evaluate the impact of modern legal frameworks on the traditional roles of hapū within New Zealand's socio-political landscape.
  • Modern legal frameworks have significantly impacted the traditional roles of hapū by recognizing their status in matters such as land rights, resource management, and cultural preservation. This recognition has allowed hapū to assert their authority in local governance and engage in treaty negotiations with the New Zealand government. As a result, hapū are navigating between traditional customs and contemporary legalities, which empowers them but also challenges them to adapt while maintaining cultural integrity.

Related terms

iwi:

Iwi is a larger tribal grouping that encompasses multiple hapū, serving as the primary social and political unit among Māori.

whānau: Whānau translates to family, referring to smaller family groups that form the basic unit of Māori society, often contained within a hapū.

mana: Mana is a concept of authority and spiritual power within Māori culture, which can be held by individuals, hapū, or iwi and is integral to their social structure.