Maori_Girl

New Zealand! The only country in the world with all 4 climates:-) We have Rainforests, tropical beaches, snow capped mountains, rolling hills typical of Ireland and Scotland, Large Cities with all the entertainment found anywhere, just over 4 million people and nearly 65 million sheep. What more could you want? ...:-DI am interested in the well being of my country and my people. "One will always stumble if he is forever looking backwards" Both people of this Beautiful Country need to forget the past and move on together as One People, One Nation. This is my dream! Below. Man with full face Taa Moko (Tattoo) which tells his history and genealogy. This form of Maori expression is making a come back though most now prefer to wear their history as an arm adornment.Below. The Hongi a traditional Maori Greeting. The pressing of the noses is a sharing of one breathe, of life, pressing the forheads is an acknowlegement to each others ancestors and history, to all those who have gone before us.Below. Traditional Maori Challenge and welcoming (Haka). You were only welcome if you passed the challenge. To fail meant death and food for the tribe. Of course today, this would be illegal, so is now only performed ceremonially, though our tribes do take it seriously, and fights are known to happen if disrespected. This can be viewed in action below on video.Below. Woman wearing traditional facial Taa Moko (Tattoo) The women do not havefull faced Moko, for the most part it is only the lips and chin which tells of her ancestors and heritage. Some woman also have a small design above the bridge of the nose (similar to the Indian Bindi)Woman wearing Traditional maori clothing, in the background you can see the geysers of Rotorua (a popular tourist town)A House known as a Wharenui. Out side the meeting house is known as the Paepae, the place where visitors are welcomed and the challenge laid. This area is the domain of the War God Tuumatauenga, if there is ill will between visitor and hosts, the place for fighting is in this area. If the visit is peaceful, the visitors are taken into the meeting house, the domain of the God of Peace (Tuu Rongo). It is forbidden to fight or argue in the main house. Footwear is always removed before entering so as not to carry in the War God.Inside the Wharenui. The carvings are representations of the tribes ancestors, tokotoko (weaving) panels adorn the walls and tell the history of the tribe.Women performing Maori dance and action songs wearing Traditional Maori dress. The poi dance is now world known, but originated here with the Maori. The song 'Poi e' is the theme song I have chosen for this profile. To see this song and the poi in action, see video below:-)Traditional Maori carving. In the old days, the best wood was New Zealand native Totara, this is now protected and a permit must be applied for. Most carvings today are made of pine, Kauri and other woods. As Maori had no written language, history was passed down orally and in the carvings.The New Zealand All Blacks our national rugby team and New Zealands national sport. The All Blacks are shown here performing a traditional Haka (war dance) which they perform before every single game. You can view this in action below on video.Maori protesting against the government. Maori and the Crown signed a treaty in 1840 in regards to land ownership and governance. This is called The Treaty of Waitangi. Maori today are still fighting to have this Treaty upheld in the spirit it was written and signed.Rugby is New Zealands national sport. It is kinda like American football .... kinda! ..... except our men don't need padding. We're too damned tough for that!!!!!Videos are New Zealand All Blacks performing a traditional Maori 'Haka' war dance. This is always performed by men and is a challenge to the opposition.Haka!!

Add to My Profile | More Videos