Maori Culture and Tradition

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Maori Culture and Traditions Leila E. Dollison ANT 101 Instructor David Jenkins July 15, 2013 Maori Culture and Traditions The Maori of New Zealand is interesting because of its unique culture. Maoris’ are known for their body tattoos and that they arrived in Newland on very large canoes. The Maoris’ primary mode of subsistence is horticulture. In some instances it could be foraging however, this is a rare occurrence. Their rich history and traditions are often retold by the elders. The Maori tribes are committed to their way of life, through persevering their beliefs and values, kinship and economic organization. The Maori tribe was at one time a flourishing society. According to Turner, (1999) “New Zealand was settled by Europeans following Captain James Cook's circumnavigation of the globe in 1769, but had been earlier discovered by wandering groups of Pacific islanders in approximately 900 AD and named Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 by representatives of the British crown and of the Maori (tribes), is the legislative foundation stone of modern New Zealand, but this is under pressure and is being re-defined and re-interpreted.” (Turner, H. 1999, 03). Maoris are considered Polynesian and the first to in New Zealand. They did well by themselves for many years until the Dutch and English settlers came to explore their country. After the settlers came the Maori way of life changed drastically, it was almost nonexistence. However, they have since seen a revival of their way of life. (pokefamily.com) Maori subsistence is largely based on fishing and gathering. In addition, they produce sweet potatoes or more commonly known by Kumara. Other means of subsistence survival include yams, taro and gourds. Although they depended on fishing for the most part, they used lines and nets to catch the fish. Today our

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