The haka

Group Project: Ellie Deifel, Madison Fry, Kimberly Hill, Angelina Duke, and Hunter Evensen
 Haka - Maori Dance
-Haka is a traditional genre of Maori Dance that was first
performed 1250 A.D.The Haka originated in Polynesia and was
used to welcome other tribes and as a celebration of life.It
later evolved into a war dance as a source of entertainment
and to intimidate their enemies.

-Ellie D
Who participates in the Haka?
The Haka started with only men participating as they began
preparation as warriors. It didn’t take long for both men
and women to perform this dance. As their shouts and
rhythmic chants would fill the air. In a large group both
would participate with powerful movements and stomping their
feet. It can also be used to celebrate or fulfill social
functions.

-Ellie D
The Haka’s story
The Haka reinforces both social norms and ideals by showing
pride in one’s culture and heritage. It was used as a way to
demonstrate strength and unity. It is often used to tell a
cultural story or to honor ancestors. Although the Haka is
not apart of a specific religion it can be used within
multiple religions.

-Ellie D
Haka origination
Around 800 AD, when the Polynesians first arrived in New
Zealand, the haka was born. Different dance styles that the
Polynesians brought with them were gradually assimilated
into the Mori people's culture. Haka became a distinctive
dance style over time that represented the Maori people's
beliefs and customs.
History of the
maori people
Oppression and privilege faced
There is no specific instance
of opposition faced in the
United States, although when
the European settlers arrived
in New Zealand they brought
with them new diseases and
open arms. In the United
States today, the Haka can be
seen as a cocky performance
put on to show their
superiority in sporting
events. The haka has been
adopted into the United states
with open arms as we have
grown more familiar with this
sacred dance.
 The haka has developed so
much since it has been
introduced into the United

Acculturation in states in the early 20th

century. We now enjoy it
as a pregame ritual, while

the united states

also seeing the Haka at
weddings, funerals,
neighborhood gatherings,
social media, and so many
other places. Women are
now able to participate in
this sacred dance as well.
ll Blacks RugBy Team

The All Blacks- New Zealand’s

National Rugby Team
Works cited
Connolly, Ellen. “The haka war dance's history | New Zealand.” The Guardian, 12 February 2009,

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/12/haka-war-dance-history. Accessed 2 May 2023.

“The Haka | 100% Pure New Zealand.” New Zealand, https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/haka/. Accessed 2 May 2023.

“Haka, the dance of war, is performed at weddings, funerals and by Beyonce.” CBC,

https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/features/haka-the-dance-of-war-is-performed-at-weddings-funerals-and-by-beyonce.

Accessed 2 May 2023.

“The Haka: What it Means & Why it's Performed – Haka Tours Blog.” Haka Tours, 14 March 2013,

https://hakatours.com/blog/haka-meaning/. Accessed 2 May 2023.

Owen, Cathy. “The evolution of the haka from timid dance in 1970s to ferocious war cry.” Wales Online, 26 September 2019,

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/evolution-haka-timid-dance-1970s-16983547. Accessed 2 May 2023.

“Te Matatini | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica.” Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/art/Te-Matatini. Accessed 2

May 2023.
Works cited continued
Hakka - religion and expressive culture. Countries and Their Cultures. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2023, from
https://tinyurl.com/yc3n6sch

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Haka. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved May 2, 2023, from
https://www.britannica.com/art/haka

Muroi, M. (2022, September 14). Do the all blacks get an advantage from the haka? science says yes. The Sydney Morning
Herald. Retrieved May 2, 2023, from
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/do-the-all-blacks-get-an-advantage-from-the-haka-science-says-yes-20220815-p5b9
u6.html
The Māori people have a rich cultural heritage, including a traditional dance form known as haka. This ancient dance
is deeply rooted in Māori history and is an important part of their culture, performed on important occasions such as
weddings, funerals, and sports events.
The haka is a powerful, energetic dance that is performed by a group of male dancers. It involves rhythmic chanting,
fierce facial expressions, and intense body movements that are designed to convey a sense of strength, unity, and
defiance. As the dancers perform the haka, they stamp their feet, slap their chests, and stick out their tongues in a
show of ferocity and aggression. Their movements are synchronized, creating a sense of harmony and unity among
the dancers.
The haka is a powerful expression of Maori culture, conveying a sense of pride, strength, and resilience. It is a unique
and evocative dance form that has captivated audiences around the world, inspiring awe and admiration for the
Maori people and their rich cultural heritage.
The Māori people have a rich cultural heritage, including a traditional dance form known as haka. This ancient dance
is deeply rooted in Māori history and is an important part of their culture, performed on important occasions such as
weddings, funerals, and sports events.
Movement is an integral part of Maori culture, and it holds great significance for the Maori people. In their
tradition, movement is not just physical; it also holds spiritual, emotional, and cultural aspects.

Movement is seen as a way to connect with the natural world, to express oneself, and to maintain a sense of
community and belonging. The Maori people have a deep respect for the environment and believe that all living
things are interconnected. Movement, therefore, is seen as a way to honor and respect the natural world.

In addition to its spiritual and environmental significance, movement is also used to express cultural norms
and values. Many Maori dance forms, such as the haka, are used to express pride, strength, and resilience. These
dances are often performed on important occasions, such as weddings, funerals, and sporting events, as a way to
celebrate and honor the community.
 Movement and Representation
The movement they use when dancing in closely linked to their traditional way of life, which is based
on a deep connection to the environment and their strong sense of community. Their movement
when dancing is is characterized by a focus on physicality,coordination and rhythm. These qualities
are linked to their traditional lifestyle, which was centered around hunting, fishing and
agriculture. Physical agility and strength are important for survival, and their movement reflects
this emphasis on physical talent.
 Dance Space
One of the most important aspects of Maori dance spaces is the sense of community and connection that is fostered through the
performance. Maori dances are often performed in groups, with dancers forming tight formations and moving in unison.
This creates a sense of harmony and unity that reinforces the Maori values of whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships
and connections) and manaakitanga (hospitality and caring for others).
Maori dance spaces are also often marked by their simplicity and naturalness. Many Maori dances are performed outdoors, in
natural settings such as forests, beaches, and mountains. This reflects the Maori people's deep spiritual connection to the
environment and their belief in the interconnectedness of all living things.
The physical space used for Maori dances is often simple, with minimal decoration or props. This reflects the Maori people's focus
on the essentials of movement and rhythm and their belief that the power of the dance comes from the collective energy and
intention of the performers.
 What Clothing do they wear?
The clothing worn during Maori dance performances typically includes:

•Piupiu - A short skirt made from flax fibers that is worn by both male and female dancers. It is usually decorated with colorful tassels or
feathers and is an important symbol of Maori cultural identity.
•Korowai - A feather cloak that is worn over the shoulders of the dancer. The korowai is a symbol of mana (prestige) and is often passed
down through generations as a taonga (treasure).
•Taonga - Traditional Maori jewelry, such as bone, wood, or shell necklaces and bracelets, may be worn as part of the dance costume.
•Moko - Traditional Maori facial tattoos, which are worn by some Maori dancers as a symbol of their cultural identity and heritage.
•Tāmoko - Moko designs that are tattooed on the body, often on the face, arms, and legs, and are an important cultural symbol for Maori
people.
•The clothing worn during Maori dance performances is often decorated with intricate patterns and symbols that have cultural
significance. These patterns may include spirals, waves, and other natural motifs that represent the Maori people's connection to the
environment.
 What music do they dance to?
Maori people have a rich and diverse musical heritage, and their traditional dance forms are typically accompanied by a
variety of instruments and vocal styles. The music used in Maori dance performances reflects the Maori people's cultural
traditions and values, and it plays an important role in setting the mood and creating the rhythm for the dance.
The haka is often accompanied by a powerful vocal style known as kapa haka, which involves loud chanting and rhythmic
shouting. The music for the haka may also include percussion instruments, such as the pukaea (long trumpet), the poi (a
ball attached to a string), and the taonga puoro (traditional Maori musical instruments made from wood, bone, and
shells).
Other Maori dance forms, such as the poi dance and the whakawātea (a farewell dance), may be accompanied by different
types of music. The poi dance is typically performed by female dancers who swing balls attached to strings in time with the
music, while the whakawātea may be accompanied by singing or instrumental music played on a range of traditional
Maori instruments.
 Works Cited
•https://www.dkfindout.com/us/history/maori/maori-song-and-
dance/
•https://www.britannica.com/art/haka
•https://nzpocketguide.com/the-maori-haka-its-meaning-history/
•https://traversejourneys.com/blog/interesting-facts-about-maor
i-culture-in-new-zealand