New-Zealand

Land of the long white cloud

Around 1000 years B.C. people from East-Polynesia, called the Thangata, arrived in New-Zealand. They lived from fishing and hunting and didn´t know any agriculture. The ancestors of the present Maori´s, however, came after three ages to New-Zealand from the Society Islands (Tahiti) and mixed with the population.

These ancestors brought an eminent culture of agriculture and art with them and called their land Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud. This because, according to the legend, the chief´s wife saw a long stretched cloud, which meant that there would be land underneath.

All together nine tribes came to Aotearoa and each and everyone of them confiscated a peace of land and fishing ground. These properties were defended by tooth and nail.

Of all Polynesian peoples the Maori's are the most martial and well-trained fighters. This is expressed in many dances. Besides that they are known for beautiful painting- and woodcraftart. Also the singing is of high-standing quality and is very harmonic and melodic.

Cheerful dancing and singing

Together with arm motions and the use of instruments

Action songs are danced by men as well as women. Altough the largest part of the group will consist of women the group leader will always be a mail dancer. Specific in this form of dance are the tight arm movements with straight vibrating hands (kapakapa). The legend tells that this represents the rising of hot air.

Poi dances are only performed by women. A ball filled with grass on a twisted cord, the so called Poi, is used in this dance. The purpose of this dance is to express charm and grace, and also to advance coordination of eye and hand. One, two or four Poi balls are used in these dances, the hitting of the poi ball against the body gives the dances a rythmic element.

Titi torea. These dances are performed by men and women and short sticks are being used. The dance has the same purpose as the Poi dance, to advance coordination of eye and hand. This was supposed to be important for hunting and fishing.

Haka and tribals

Powerful warrior dance and impressive tattoos

The Haka is a wardance for men. Purpose of this dance is to give men a possibility to get rid of mental tention and to excerise their body. The movements are strong and rough and are accompanied by hard stamping of the feet and a lot of jumping. Also the rolling of the eyes, sticking out of tongue and uttering cries are important in this dance. Often spears and other weapons of war are being used.