Definition:
The Māori people are the Indigenous Polynesian population of mainland New Zealand (Aotearoa).
Overview:
The Māori are the tangata whenua (people of the land) of New Zealand, having migrated from Eastern Polynesia around 1280–1350 CE, as supported by archaeological, linguistic, and genetic evidence. They established a complex society based on tribal affiliations (iwi) and subtribes (hapū), with a rich cultural tradition encompassing oral history, art, warfare, agriculture, and spiritual beliefs. The arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century and subsequent colonization significantly impacted Māori society, including land loss and population decline, although ongoing efforts in cultural revitalization and treaty settlements continue to address historical grievances.
Etymology/Origin:
The word "Māori" means "normal" or "ordinary" in the Māori language. It was historically used by Polynesians in New Zealand to distinguish themselves from European settlers (Pākehā), who were seen as new and unusual. The term became widely used during the early colonial period and is now the accepted name for the Indigenous population.
Characteristics:
Māori society is organized around kinship and ancestral lineage. Key cultural elements include the Māori language (te reo Māori), traditional meeting houses (wharenui), the haka (a ceremonial dance), and the concept of mana (spiritual authority or prestige). Māori have a deep connection to the land, expressed through whakapapa (genealogy) and environmental stewardship. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, is a foundational document in New Zealand’s history and continues to inform legal and political relations.
Related Topics:
- Treaty of Waitangi
- Te reo Māori (Māori language)
- Iwi and hapū
- Polynesian migration
- Māori culture and art
- Māori Renaissance
- Colonial history of New Zealand
- Waitangi Tribunal