Being an oral culture, the Maori people used music and dance as a form of expression in everyday life from telling stories to teaching their children.  Traditional Maori music was seen in forms of chants of war, love, and nature.  Each song had a symbolic story to tell to the audience. 

 

      A classic Maori instrument was the flute made from stone, whalebone and wood. Foot stomping, slapping body parts such as chest or thighs with hands, and tapping on a piece of wood with a stick were a type of percussion similar to using drums which did not exist.  Using their bodies the Maori were able to correspond rhythms for their songs.

 

The Haka

      The haka is the traditional Maori dance performed for various reasons, such as a war challenge, welcoming guests, or celebrating achievements.  The Haka repreents breath- ha and fire -ka.  Together you give your fire and breath as one.  Each version communicates something different and not all women are allowed to participate.  Many tribes in modern times allow the women to participate on the side or even partaking in the full act.

 

      The haka was performed by warriors as their leader shouts commands while the warriors reply stomping their feet moving hands through many gestures.  The song describes Te Rauparaha as he hides in pit while his enemies looked for him.  While under a woman, they knew that going between her legs were scared and moved away.  When it was safe Te Rauparaha left and gave thanks to the woman who shielded him.  Each gesture symbolizes a line in the story.

 

"Ka mate! Ka mate!

Ka ora! Ka ora!Tenei te tangata puhuruhuru, Nana nei i tiki meiI whakawhiti re ra! Upane! Upane! Upane! Kaupane! Whiti te ra!''

 

      This dance communicates energy, self-respect and pride for the meaning behind the dance. It has reached all of New Zealand.  The Maori culture has influenced a sense of pride in the haka and what it stands for.  Performed by the All Blacks,  the New Zealand rugby team, this dance is a way of communicating how passionate they will be fighting their battle that day.

 

Kapahaka

      This fusion of song and dance, kapahaka, is seen in each Maori tribe through out New Zealand.  The Maori music is more than aggressive chants and crazy dances.  There are several types of dances that express the many themes of each song.  Some Maori use weapons, incantations, teaching, love songs, or even  instruments. 

 

      Today the Maori people have more radio stations and TV network opportunities.  These have been in support of the Maori culture and are allowing the Maori to get their music out to New Zealand.   This is giving the people more of an opportunity to communicate their culture and stories to not only New Zealand, but the world.