MAORI
Published on Dec 02, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Introduction
When Maori tupuna (ancestors) arrived in temperate Aotearoa, they brought traditional cultivated plants from a tropical environment. The new land provided different birds and fish but lit-
tle in the way of mammals. In order to feed themselves, the new arrivals
required new skills and knowledge.
Photo by babasteve
How the Maori gathered their food
Before modern hunting tools the Maori used hand crafted weapons, they made fishing lines out of wire and bone for the fishing hook and other useful hunting and cleaning tools. The Maori gathered berries, plants, seeds and other essentials found in the bush. They hunted many areas of food sources like fish and moa which were a big part in their diet.
Photo by Abi Skipp
Birding.
The first Maori to New Zealand discovered a land with lots of birds.
Many were flightless and provided easy food. Moa was an important source of food until they died out five hundred years ago. They were named after the domestic fowls (moa) that the first settlers left in their Pacific Island homeland.
Photo by Travis S.
Fishing
Fish and shellfish provided a huge source of
food for Maori. Nets, hooks, traps, lures, spears and clubs were used to collect food from the sea, lakes and streams. Flax was used to make nets and fishing lines, hooks were made from wood or bone. Paua shell on fishing lures was use to attract fish. Traps were made from flexible branches such as manuka.
Photo by EssjayNZ
Hunting other animals.
Bats were the only land mammals on New Zealand and were a special food in the hangi. Maori brought the kiore (pacific rat) and dog from their homeland. The rat was brought as a food source. The dog provided a supply of meat and was used to hunt flightless birds. Seals were an important source of meat for the earliest people through out New Zealand. Their numbers were reduced in the north and only remained a food supply for some South Islanders. Whales were not hunted, but a stranded whale was food. Whales were carved on the outside of pataka (food stores) to show abundance of food.
Photo by Strange Ones
Plants.
The plants that were brought to New Zealand
and grown were kumara, gourd (hue), taro and yam (uwhi). Kumara was the most important crop grown and often several kumara plantations were hidden in the bush in the hope that at least one would survive if the pa was attacked and crops destroyed. Kumara was grown well south of its normal growing range. Roots, leaves, berries and kernels were all eaten. The most important food source gathered from the wild was aruhe, part of the bracken fern. It was cooked and beaten to remove the outer hard skin. Karaka berries were cooked and soaked in water to destroy their poisons, before being eaten. People who had them with poisons, suffered convulsions.
Photo by Kiwi Tom
Humans.
Cannibalism did exist in New Zealand, although it happened on rare occasions. In most tribes women were not allowed to eat human flesh. Battles provided tons of meat. Eating an enemy or preserving the head of an enemy was viewed as the ultimate revenge.
Photo by The Life of Bryan
Hangi.
A fire is started in a pit, using slow burning wood. Stones are placed in the fire. These stones are chosen for their ability to hold heat without shattering.
Once the fire has burnt out, shellfish are placed on the heated stones. They release salt water to provide steam and flavour. Mats are layered on next, followed by meat and lastly vegetables. The food was traditionally
wrapped in leaves of particular plants to add
flavour and prevent drying out. Water is sprin-
kled over the food to provide steam. Lastly, top
soil covers the hangi to insulate the cooking food
and prevent loss of steam.
Photo by Sarah M Stewart
Conserving the environment
Maori and then European settlers in New Zealand had a huge impact on the land, its plants and animals. For example, forests were burnt, introduced animals wiped out native species, and birds were hunted to extinction. Eventually, people began to realize the damage that had been done, and tried to repair it.
Photo by Jocey K
