The haka is a traditional war cry, war dance, or challenge in Maori culture. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment.
War haka were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and powers in order to intmidate the opposition but haka are also performed to welcome distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great achievgements, occasions or funerals and kapa haka (perfiorming arts) groups arevery common in schools.
| TYPES |
i) Peruperu
is characterised by leaps during which the legs are pressed under the lower body. In former times, the peruperu was performed before a battle in order to invoke the god of war and to discourage and frighten the enemy. It involved fierce facial expressions and grimaces , poking out of the tongue, eye bulging, grunts and cries, and the waving of weapons. If the haka was not performed in total unison , this was regarded as bad omen for the battle. Often, warriors went naked into battle, apart from a plaited flax belt around the waist.
ii) Tutu ngarahu
involves jumping, but from side to side, while in the whakatu waewaeno jumping occcurs. Another kind of haka is performed without weapons is the ngeri, the purpose of which was top motivate the warriors psychologically. The movements are very free and each performer is expected to be expressive of their feelings.
iii) Manawa wera haka
were generally associated with funerals or other occasions involving death. Like the ngeri they were performed without weapons, and there was little or no choreographed movement.
iv) Ka Mate
attributed to Te Rauparaha, war leader of the Ngati Toe tribe. The 'Ka Mate' haka is classified as a haka taparahi.