The Dances of New Zealand: The Haka and Poi

The haka is a traditional dance of the Maori people of New Zealand, or as the Maori call it, "Land of the Long White Cloud."While the haka has been popularized for it's association with the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team, there are actually many forms of the dance. The most widely known version, and the one used by the All Blacks, is the "Ka Mate." Despite the seemingly fierce, warlike gestures on display, this is a celebratory dance and is accredited to Te Rauparaha, a leader of the Ngāti Toa tribe during the early 19th century. There are many of versions of the haka and historically the form was used for many different purposes ranging from greeting friendly tribes (powhiri) to preparing for battle (peruperu). There was also a divinatory haka (tutungarahu), as well as a funeral lament performed by women (maemae).

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