The Haka.
The word ‘ haka ‘ is traditionally a general Term for all types of dance.
Now however, it is used to describe a Maori Dance where the men are at the front of the Group performing the action song , and the Women stand behind them giving vocal Support.
The haka is more than just dance.Traditionally It was an activity used to welcome guests.It Was used to show the courage in the Maori’s
Before they started a battle, and to make the Tribe who is battling them show there fear.
The haka is considered something of a Symphony with different body parts used Representing the different instruments.
In the haka the hands, arms, legs, feet , eyes , Tongue , and the rest of the body as a whole Unite show different emotions to try to give Out a message. The challenge, anger , Happiness , welcome , joy , or whatever emotions are being expressed are articulated By every aspect of the body.
The haka is an expression of the Psychological , using every element of the Physical.
Most people think that the haka is only a Dance of war. Indeed , this is the reason of several types of haka. However , there are Many haka which have different ‘ niche ‘ in The Maori culture.
The most commonly known haka is the
‘ Haka Taparahi ‘ . This is a haka where the Performers stand in structured lines and Articulate set movements. The ‘Haka Taparahi ‘ has always been a ceremonial Rather than a war dance . Accordingly they Are performed without weapons.
The 3 main haka which are considered to be War dances are the ‘ Whakatu Waewae ‘ ,
The ‘ Tutu Ngarahu ‘ , And the ‘ Peruperu’. Each of these haka have traits which Distinguish them from others. All are Fearsome spectacles to watch , aimed at Showing the performers physical prowess,
And conditioning , and instilling fear into the Enemy.
The war haka all involve the carrying of Weapons. The notable feature of the
‘ Peruperu ‘ is the high leap off the ground With the legs tucked in under the body.
The ‘ Tutu Ngarahu ‘ also involves jumping. However , the jumping is from side to side Most people think it’s up and down.
The ‘ Whakatu Waewae ‘ is again different Because there is no jumping involved in this Haka at all.
Another haka style ( of which ‘Ka mate ‘Ka Mate ‘ is one ) , is called the ‘ Negeri ‘ . This Particular style has the aim of motivating , Hardening , and psychologically preparing the Performers . The ‘ Ngeri ‘haka normally does Not have special set movements , so the Performers have freedom during the dance.
‘ Ngeri ‘ haka is normally performed without Weapons.
‘ Manawa Wera ‘ haka is normaly performed At funerals or other ceremonies to do with Death. It is similar to the ‘ Ngeri ‘ haka in that It normally does not have set movements and Is performed without weapons.
The ‘ Kaioraora ‘ haka is designed only for The purpose of expressing hatred. Every Tribe has composed them about one another,
And every tribe has been the reason for the Composition of them. To be the purpose for The composition of such a haka is normally
Considered somethingof an honour.
As years and decades pass after such a haka
Has been written , it is often the tribe that the Haka has been written about.
There are seven other types of haka , but These tend to occur infrequently.
