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Maori Religion and Mythology Part 1

Ceremonial Dancing

Ceremonial Dancing

In old-time Maori life there were practised a number of what may be termed ceremonial dances, as connected with war, mourning for the dead, reception of visitors, greeting the new moon, and at page 349the reappearance of certain stars, such as the Pleiades, &c. These were accompanied by some form of song. Rythmical movement appeals very much to the Maori, hence it enters largely into many of his activities in connection with industries and functions. This is well shown in the old custom of heriheri kai, or makamaka kai, the ceremonial bearing of food to a party of guests. The food-carriers, often a numerous party, each provided with an open bowl-shaped basket containing cooked food, marched in procession two deep from the cooking-place. As they advanced slowly across the plaza toward the guests they executed a slow-time form of posture dance, accompanying it with a very euphonious and rhythmical chant. Such exhibitions are of a very interesting nature. Another ceremonial dance of a pleasing nature was the one performed by east coast natives during peace-making functions.