Poi has been an
important part of the Maori culture for many years and is part of the
performance of the Kapa Haka. The Haka is an “action chant”
and is often interpreted as a war dance. Historically, the Maoris performed
the Haka before a battle, using the foot stomping, chanting and hand gestures
as a means to proclaim their strength and to intimidate their foes. There
are many different types of Hakas that are still widely practiced today
in New Zealand. The Kapa Haka is considered to be a dance that shares
songs of each tribes and cultural activities for entertainment. Poi spinning
can be seen as part of the dance. The word “poi”
in Maori means “ball” in English. The long poi are often interpreted
to represent the oars of the Tupuna (ancestors.) High ranking women in
the tribe use longer poi to illustrate their status. Maori women will
use as many as four poi at a time.
Poi
spinning is a form of object manipulation, which involves of balls on
ropes, one held in each hand. Poi are swung in various circular patterns
beside, in front of and behind the spinner. This activity was created
by the Maori tribes of New Zealand and is practiced mostly by women; however
both men and women use poi as a means of warrior training.
Poi spinning today has become a popular activity outside of the Maori
culture and can be seen all around the world. It’s not uncommon
to see people on the beaches in Thailand and S.E. Asia exchanging poi
moves during the day and performing with fire poi later that night. Poi
spinning culture also prevails widely in Europe, North America, Australia
and non-Maori New Zealand.
Thanks to Nick Woolsey from playpoi.com for letting us show the following videos about Maori poi spinning on our site.
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