July 22
The Maori culture (pronounced mow ree) is the subject of a book and movie - Whale Rider. Today we visited a Maori Marae or community center. We saw the traditional maori Powhiri (Welcome Ceremony), that included a song sung by the woman shown in a traditional cape. A Maori chief told us about some of the customs and legends. Chiefs have the facial tatoos shows in the picture. The Haka is a Maori war dance and performed by the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team prior to each match.
