Sera in New Zealand: Maori’s Art & Culture

MAORI ART

The principal traditional arts of the Maori may be broadly classified as carving in wood, stone, or bone, geometrical designs in plaiting and weaving, painted designs on wood and on the walls of rock shelters, and, finally, tattooing. It is the habit of ethnologists to study Maori art as if it had come to an abrupt end on the arrival of the European settlers in New Zealand and to regard post-European work as being of little importance.

It is necessary to point out, however, that the major forms of Maori art have never died out and that there is a continuous tradition from pre-European times to the present day. It is true that tattooing is no longer practised and that little stoneworking has been done by Maoris in the past 50 years.

But it is probable that more major carved houses have been built in the last 30 years than in any like time in Maori history. Many of the present-day carvers are descended from families which have produced outstanding carvers for centuries. Modern life has caused many changes, but all arts must develop if they are to live.

Tattoos

Today, people in NZ still use covering their body (sometimes the whole body) with tattoos.

 

 

 

MAORI CULTURE

Did you know why, in New Zealand, it is common to see barefoot people? This happens also outside and in the public spots, and the reason is that Maoris still think that the land is « the mother » and want to keep the contact of their body with her.

at the supermarket

MAORI LANGUAGE

I think that Maori language is very funny. As a passionate about foreign languages, I couldn’t resist to share with you some extracts of a common Maori language

Hello! > Kia Ora!

Welcome! > mai!

My name is > toku ingoa

What’s your name? > he aha te tou ingoa?

How are you? > pehea e koe?

Which country are you from? > qui whenua ko koutou i

Yes > Ae

No > Kahore

Thank you! > Mauruuru koe!

See you soon > Kite wawe ia koe

Have a nice day! > A ani i te ra pai!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go back to the starting of my trip in New Zealand here