Maori Poi refers to three distinctive yet intricate aspects of the Maori culture: the object, the art performance and the music played during the performance. Poi is the name given to a device which is used during a traditional art performance by Maori women. This is why the performance itself is referred to as poi, just like the corresponding music.
The Maori Poi Device
The poi is a ball which is attached to a cord. Traditionally the ball was made of natural materials, which consisted of moss wrapped in flax leaves. Today they are usually made of synthetic materials, like tissue wrapped in plastic.
There are two different models, a short and a long one. The cord of the short one is about the length of the wrist down to the fingertips whereas the cord of the long one goes from the shoulder to the fingertips. Maori women use the poi balls during dances and art performances. They use them to tell stories. For women, the use of the poi allowed them to keep flexible hands for weaving.
The Maori poi was also used by warriors. They would use it to train and work on their coordination. It allowed them to work on their flexibility in both their hands and arms. It developed their agility when using traditional hand weapons such as the kotiate, the mere or the patu.
The Maori Poi Art Performance
The performance is an art which is deeply rooted in the Maori culture and traditions. It includes several aspects of the culture such as storytelling, singing, dancing, and is also quite often included in larger performances with a haka. Multiple dancers are placed in line and are wearing traditional outfits. The poi is swung rhythmically by the dancers while music is playing. The poi is a percussive instrument which creates specific sounds according to how it is manipulated. It makes distinctive sounds as it is moved close to the body or further apart.
Modern Poi
Several western cultures have developed the poi based on the Maori poi. One great example is the fire poi which is a worldwide performance or quite often a simple hobby practiced in gardens around the world. Other forms exist though such as the glow poi, or the meteor.
If you would like to learn more about Maori history and culture please feel free to visit our guide to New Zealand vacations.
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