Kapa Haka
New Zealand Maori action songs and dance.
Kapa haka is an important avenue for Māori people to express and showcase their heritage and cultural Polynesian identity through song and dance. Modern kapa haka traces back to pre-European times where it developed from traditional forms of Māori performing art; haka, mau rākau (weaponry), poi (ball attached to rope or string) and mōteatea (traditional Māori songs). A kapa haka performance involves choral singing, dance and movements associated with the hand-to-hand combat practised by Māori in mainly precolonial times, presented in a synchronisation of action, timing, posture, footwork and sound. Short video of Kapa Haka
Most common equipment used in Kapa Haka
Maori Poi
Poi is a form of dance in which each performer skillfully twirls one or more poi (ball on a chord) in perfect unison with the others. Sudden direction changes are achieved by striking the ball on a hand or other part of the body, and the noise creates a percussive rhythm. Poi dancers are usually women, and a skilled performance will strongly convey a sense of grace, beauty and charm. Short video of the Poi
Patu
A Patu is a tradition weapon used by Maori warriors and is incoroprated into Kapa Haka to show strength and skill. There are different types of Patu. The term patu means to strike, hit or subdue in Maori – in this case the blow administered was a sharp, horizontal thrust straight from the shoulder aimed at the enemy's temple. Short video about the Patu.
Taiaha and Head of a Taiaha
A taiaha is a traditional weapon of the Māori of New Zealand; a close-quarters staff weapon made from either wood or whalebone, and used for short, sharp strikes or stabbing thrusts with efficient footwork on the part of the wielder. Taiaha are usually between 5 to 6 feet in length. This is also incoporated into Kapa Haka to show agility, strength and skill. Short video about the Taiaha.
Maori Haka
The haka is the most well known form of Kapa Haka. It is a ceremonial Māori war dance or challenge. Haka are usually performed in a group and represent a display of a tribe's pride, strength and unity. Actions include the stomping of the foot, the protrusion of the tongue and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant. The words of a haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in the tribe's history.Traditionally, the haka was performed when two parties met as part of the customs around encounters. For example, the haka was used on the battlefield to prepare warriors mentally and physically for battle, but it was also performed when groups came together in peace. Today, haka are still used during ceremonies and celebrations to honour guests and show the importance of the occasion. This includes family events, like birthdays, graduations, weddings and funerals. Video of Traditional Maori Haka.
Most well known Maori Haka.
New Zealand All Blacks perform the Maori Haka
The New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, perform the haka before each match in a stunning show of strength and physical prowess. The All Blacks use 'Ka Mate' as their haka, which was composed in the 1820s by the rangatira (chief), Te Rauparaha. The words to this particular haka have become famous around the world since it became a part of the pregame ritual of the All Blacks. Video of the NZ All Blacks performing the Haka