|
|
| (3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | [[Image:Poi-manutuke.jpg|thumb|280px|Poi dance, by Manutuke School at Hopuhopu, New Zealand, 2003]]'''Poi''' is a form of [[juggling]] 'Impartial Art' <ref>The evocative term 'Impartial Art' cleverly associates juggling arts with [[Martial arts]] and in [[:wikt:poignant|poignant]] point-counterpoint contrasts the inherently non-violent aspect of juggling [[discipline]]s.</ref> (Finnigan, 1992) with balls on ropes, held in the hands and swung in various circular patterns, similar to [[Indian clubs|club-twirling]]. It is commonly said to have originally been practiced by the [[Māori]] people of [[New Zealand]], however modern poi is more of a combination of spinning arts from around the world. (the word ''poi'' means "ball" in [[Māori language|Māori]]). Women and men used it to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination. It developed into a traditional performance art practiced mostly by women. This art, in conjunction with others including ''waiata a ringa'', [[haka]] and ''titi torea'', make up the performance of [[kapa haka]] (Māori culture groups). | + | [[Image:HawaiianCanoes1784.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Polynesian canoe types, Hawaii, 1784]] |
| | + | Various [[Māori mythology|Māori traditions]] recount how their ancestors set out from a mythical homeland in great ocean-going canoes. Some of these traditions name the homeland as [[Hawaiki]]. |
| | | | |
| − | == Modern poi ==
| + | Among these is the story of [[Kupe]], who had eloped with [[Kuramarotini]], the wife of [[Hoturapa]], the owner of the great canoe [[Matahourua]], whom Kupe had murdered. To escape punishment for the murder, Kupe and Kura fled in Matahourua and discovered a land he called [[Aotearoa]] ('long-white-cloud'). He explored its coast and killed the sea monster [[Te Wheke-a-Muturangi]], finally returning to his home to spread news of his newly discovered land.<ref>However according to K.R. Howe in ''Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand'', "Kupe was not a well-known figure in tradition" and his position as the discover of New Zealand is "a fabrication". See [http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/IdeasOfMaoriOrigins/5/en Ideas of Māori origins, 1920s-2000, New Understanding].</ref> |
| − | [[Image:Poi circles.jpg|280px|thumb|Glowstick poi]]Today, poi extends past the original Māori culture. A [[subculture]] has sprung up in a few places, surrounding poi spinning as a hobby, exercise, or performance art. Poi dancers can sometimes be found performing alongside jugglers, staff spinners and other similar performers. | |
| | | | |
| − | === Practice poi ===
| + | Other stories of various other tribes report migrations to escape famine, over-population, and warfare. These were made in legendary canoes, the best known of which are [[Aotea (canoe)|Aotea]], [[Arawa (canoe)|Arawa]], [[Kurahaupō]], [[Mataatua]], [[Tainui (canoe)|Tainui]], [[Tākitimu]], and [[Tokomaru (canoe)|Tokomaru]]. Various traditions name numerous other canoes. Some, including the [[Āraiteuru]], are well known; others including the ''Kirauta'' and the sacred [[Arahura]] and [[Mahangaatuamatua]] are little known. Rather than arriving in a single fleet, the journeys may have occurred over several centuries. |
| − | Many people start out using a simple pair of practice poi. These are usually constructed from something soft, in order to lessen the frequency of beginners suffering the inevitable minor bruises. Rolled up [[sock]]s, [[bean bag]]s or small soft toys on strings are often used. Children in schools often make poi using plastic grocery bags and crumpled tissue paper or synthetic stuffing. Generally, poi spinners start out with very simple moves, gradually learning to involve more complexity and (eventually) a full performance routine. Many find it helpful to practice spinning their poi to music, in order to keep a rhythm.
| |
| | | | |
| − | === Performance poi === | + | ==The "great fleet" hypothesis== |
| − | Dancers and performers use brightly colored poi, either homemade or bought at juggling shops or a number of online stores. [[Fluorescence|Fluorescent]] colored tails and streamers attached to the poi allow a number of beautiful patterns to be created in the air by the performer, and many spinners pride themselves on the patterns they can make, and the accuracy of their spinning. A number of different forms of poi can be bought, from brightly coloured cones to cloth blades that can look like dragonfly wings.
| + | [[Image:TonganCanoes.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Polynesian canoe types, Tonga, c1774]]An important early collector and preserver of Maori traditions was the surveyor and ethnologist [[Stephenson Percy Smith]]. He believed that while the Polynesian traditions may have been flawed in detail, they preserved the threads of truth which could be recovered using a method already well established for Hawaiian traditions by Fornander (1878-1885). This method involved seeking out common elements of tradition from different sources, and aligning these to genealogies to give a time frame for the events. [[Abraham Fornander]], Smith, and others used this method to reconstruct the migrations of the Polynesians, tracing them back to a supposed ancient homeland in India. |
| | + | |
| | + | S. Percy Smith used the Fornander method, combining disparate traditions from various parts of New Zealand and other parts of Polynesia, to derive a now discredited version of Māori migration to New Zealand -- the 'Great Fleet' hypothesis. Through an examination of the genealogies of various tribes, he came up with a set of precise dates for his 'Great Fleet' and the explorers that he and others posited as having paved the way for the fleet. |
| | | | |
| − | A variation on this is 'Flag poi', consisting of large sheets of lightweight fabric which can be spun round in the same way as regular poi. Often made of reflective or [[fluorescence|UV-sensitive]] material, these spin quite slowly and can create the effect that the performer is wrapped in sheets of rippling fabric. The weight and drag created by these flags, however, necessitates the spinner to ensure precision of movement and timing. It is difficult for a beginner to grasp.
| + | According to Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand, "Smith’s account went as follows. In 750 AD the Polynesian explorer Kupe discovered an uninhabited New Zealand. Then in 1000–1100 AD, the Polynesian explorers Toi and Whātonga visited New Zealand, and found it inhabited by a primitive, nomadic people known as the [[Moriori]]. Finally, in 1350 AD a ‘great fleet’ of seven canoes – Aotea, Kurahaupō, Mataatua, Tainui, Tokomaru, Te Arawa and Tākitimu – all departed from the Tahitian region at the same time, bringing the people now known as Māori to New Zealand. These were advanced, warlike, agricultural tribes who destroyed the Moriori"<ref> See [http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/IdeasOfMaoriOrigins/en Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand: Ideas of Māori Origins]</ref> |
| | + | The great fleet scenario won general acceptance, its adherents even including the famous Māori ethnologist [[Te Rangi Hiroa]] (Sir Peter Buck), and was taught in New Zealand schools. However it was effectively demolished during the 1960s by the ethnologist David Simmons, who showed that it derived from an incomplete and indiscriminate study of Māori tradition as recorded in the 19th Century. Simmons also suggests that some of these 'migrations' may actually have been journeys within New Zealand. <ref>Howe puts it more strongly, stating that Smith's great fleet was "a fabrication", and that Simmons "also demonstrated that Smith manipulated tradition and other evidence to produce the story he wanted" [http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/IdeasOfMaoriOrigins/5/en Ideas of Māori origins, 1920s-2000, New Understanding].</ref> |
| | | | |
| − | === Glow poi === | + | ==See also== |
| − | [[Phosphorescence|Glow in the dark]] poi are available from a number of places, as are glow in the dark gloves, UV-sensitive poi and poi containing [[light-emitting diode|LED lights]] that make them shine. Different types of poi can be used to create different effects, depending on the setting. Poi containing small [[strobe]]s, for instance, can be used to create special effects. | + | *[[List of Māori migration canoes]] |
| | + | *[[Māori]] |
| | + | *[[Māori culture]] |
| | + | *[[Polynesia#Polynesian navigation|Polynesian navigation]] |
| | | | |
| − | By far the simplest method used is a glowstick. Glowstick poi are popular at [[music festival|festivals]] and [[rave]]s.
| + | ==External links== |
| − | | + | *[http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/IdeasOfMaoriOrigins/en Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand: Ideas of Māori Origins] |
| − | === Fire poi === | + | *[http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/CanoeTraditions/1/en Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand: The meaning of canoe traditions] |
| − | [[Image:Maitre du feu.jpg|280px|thumb|Fire poi]]Considered by some to be the "ultimate" performance poi, [[fire dancing|fire poi]] are constructed from chain, with [[kevlar]] blend wicks, sometimes also stuffed on the inside with more absorbing non-melting material such as cotton, that can be soaked in fuel and set on fire; usually [[paraffin]], [[kerosene]], [[naphtha]] (also called "white gas", "camping fuel", or "[[Coleman Company|Coleman]] fuel") or a similar household fuel is used - as gasoline / petrol burns too quickly for either safety or performance longevity and is much more toxic it is generally avoided where other options are available but is still popular in poorer countries. Likewise alcohol and lighter fluid are considered too dangerous and not sufficiently long lasting due to their low flash point and volatility. | + | *[http://www.maori.info/maori_history.htm maori.info] Useful summary of the mythical and historical origin of the Māori of New Zealand |
| − | | |
| − | Fire performances can be interesting for both audience and performer, provided the poi spinner is good enough that they can control the fire poi without putting anyone (particularly themselves) at risk.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Many kinds of fire poi are available, the simplest utilizing two wicks. The fire wicks are generally one of three varieties: a cylindrical wrap, cathedral stack (square) or a [[Monkey's fist|monkey fist knot]] tied with kevlar blend rope. Some experienced performers like to pick and choose their wicks, according to the performance they intend to give - controlling their burn time and the brightness of the flames. More advanced fire poi can have multiple wicks.
| |
| − | | |
| − | A variation called ''fire snakes'' (sometimes referred to as ''Fire Ropes'') consists of a length of kevlar blend rope that can produce a long flame. These can look stunning when used by a skilled performer, resulting in them being surrounded by sheets of flame.
| |
| − | | |
| − | == Poi tricks ==
| |
| − | {{main|Poi tricks}}
| |
| − | Poi has become known among a few communities. As with many subculture sports and pastimes, poi spinners often spend hours mastering their tricks.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Some popular poi tricks include: reels, weaves, fountains, crossovers and windmills.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Split time and split direction moves are possible, and some of the more difficult moves require a considerable amount of manual dexterity, coordination and forearm strength to accomplish.
| |
| − | | |
| − | There are several basic classes of trick. The two poi are usually spun in parallel planes, and can be spun in the same direction (weaves) or opposite directions (butterflies). Moves such as stalls and wraps can change direction of one (or both poi) to change between these two classes.
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Weaves ===
| |
| − | [[Image:poibuzzsaw.jpg|thumb|280px|Performing the buzzsaw with fire poi, Rachel Robinson]]Weaves are a class of trick based around the "basic weave". Considered by many poi swingers to be one of the staple moves, the basic (three-beat) weave is often one of the first tricks learned. The basic weave is called "three-beat" because each poi spins three times in a cycle: once on the same side of the body (e.g. left-hand poi on left side) and twice on the opposite side. Backwards weaves, behind the back weaves, and 2-beat, 4-beat, 5-beat, 7-beat and other weaves are also possible.
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Butterflies ===
| |
| − | The butterfly is a simple trick in which the hands are held close together in front of the spinner and the poi spin in opposite directions flat to the spinner, so that the poi cross at the top and bottom of their circles. This move can be done behind the head, behind the back and extended to any number of moves; there are as many variations on the butterfly possible as there are for the weave. Highly skilled performers perform this with 4 poi (two in each hand) to execute a double butterfly. In each hand, one is held out of each end of a fist. The most expert practitioners do this with 6 poi balls so that a third one-footed butterfly can be performed with the other foot. However, impressive though this last one certainly is, the majority of poi performers consider such things to have no real use, as there's no real way for the performer to use such a thing as part of a dance whilst keeping the fluidity of movement intact.
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Wraps ===
| |
| − | A wrap is a move where one or both poi are wrapped around something, most typically part of the body, to change the path or direction of spin. There are two types of wrap: basic or recoil wraps wrap around the target and then bounce off, so that the poi ends up spinning in the opposite direction to which it started from; and thru-wraps which wrap around a moving body part, so that the direction stays the same but the poi changes the path it is travelling along. Typical targets for a wrap are the arms and legs, although any body part is suitable - one of the more dangerous places to perform wraps is around the neck. Double-neck thru-wraps are perhaps the most dangerous move that can be done with fire poi, due to the risk of the poi tangling.
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Flowers ===
| |
| − | Flowers are a visually impressive set of moves in which the poi spinner fully extends their arms and moves them in circles around the body while spinning the poi. When done in time this gives rise to a series of loops around a large circle, which look like the petals of a flower when viewed from the side.
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Further tricks ===
| |
| − | Isolations refer to a class of moves where the poi handle is also spun in a circle. "Perfect" isolation occurs when the poi handle and poi are moving in the same circle, and can usually create distinctive synchronised moves (e.g. cranks). Hyperloops are where the poi ropes becomes entangled (twisted up) and then untangled, keeping the ends spinning the entire time. Advanced spinners are also able to spin their moves in places such as behind the back and between the legs.
| |
| − | | |
| − | == Poi construction ==
| |
| − | [[Image:Feuerpois02.JPG|thumb|280px|Fire poi in action (long exposure)]]Many poi spinners, amateur and professional alike, prefer to create their own poi. A simple pair of practice poi require little more than a pair of socks and a couple of tennis balls. More impressive poi can be made from a multitude of different materials. Kite cords are lightweight and readily available. Chain is a more durable alternative to regular cord. Ball chains can rotate freely so as to prevent tangling, and metal cables can make for extremely fast poi. Long socks can also be used with a weight in one end and a knot in the other. More advanced spinners may add a weight to the handle, in order to improve their ability to perform advanced techniques (such as throws and contact poi). | |
| − | | |
| − | Kevlar blend wicks and a variety of poi heads can be bought either from juggling shops or online, and a number of different kinds of hand grip are available too. This way a performer can customise their poi to suit their own personal preference.
| |
| − | | |
| − | == Some related performance arts ==
| |
| − | Following are a number of arts from different cultures that bear similarities to poi. Altogether these disciplines (along with more familiar circus skills such as juggling, diablo and devil sticks) are often referred to as ''Object Manipulation''.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ; Staff : [[Staff (stick)|Staffers]] are one of the largest factions in the juggling community. In a similar way to poi spinners, staff spinners use one or two staffs to make a variety of patterns. Staffs, being large blunt objects, are known for being slightly more dangerous than poi when beginning, however this is a misconception, especially in the case of fire staff. Poi are far more dangerous when on fire, as their chains are prone to heating up and can cause serious burns if they wrap around exposed flesh (usually the wrists). One advantage of the staff is that it can be passed from hand to hand or rolled over a part of the body, such as the neck. This is called contact staffing. Many similar techniques can be employed to those found in martial arts like [[Bōjutsu|bōjutsu]].
| |
| − | | |
| − | ; Glowstringing : [[Glowstringing]] is a similar art to poi, largely developed and advocated by the rave community, before spreading throughout [[electronic music]] culture. It involves spinning glowsticks to make patterns in the air at raves or in the club scene. While often mistaken for poi, it is in fact a separate discipline, and the two styles have had some influence on each other. Some people would argue that there is no difference at all between the disciplines as they both use the same tricks and equipment to some extent, the only real difference is the ''scene''.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ; Club swinging : Using regular [[Juggling Clubs|juggling clubs]], the head of the club can be held in the palm, and the club swung in poi-like patterns. Many poi moves can be attained this way, and as clubs can be stopped at any point of their swing, or swung as slowly as you like, some poi spinners find them useful in learning more difficult poi moves in 'slow motion'. Club swinging is, however, a completely separate discipline with its own techniques and performers.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ; Sword spinning : Taking influence from the [[sword]] displays of the [[Shaolin (martial arts)|Shaolin monks]], some performers learn to do tricks with swords. Swords require a lot more suppleness of the wrists, but can be far faster and more dramatic than poi performances. Practicing with [[bokken]] (Japanese wooden practice swords) or simple wooden staves is advisable, but when a performer is skilled enough, fire swords can be bought and/or constructed.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ; Nunchaku : [[Nunchaku]], as popularized in the media by actor [[Bruce Lee]], employ many similar techniques to poi. While originally a weapon, some companies now produce LED-lit nunchaku which can be used to create unique patterns in performances, though nunchaku remains (and is often regulated as) a weapon. See also: [[Freestyle nunchaku]]
| |
| − | | |
| − | ; Meteor : A [[Meteor hammer|meteor]] (known to martial artists as a [[meteor hammer]] or meteor fist) is long rope, weighted on both ends, often with a [[monkey's fist|monkeyfist knot]]. It can be used similarly to poi as well as a staff, by keeping very precise timing so that the two balls exert equal [[centripetal force]] on each other and move in sync. Originally a Chinese weapon, meteor are extremely difficult to control. [[Fire meteor]]s and other variations of this tool also exist.
| |
| − | | |
| − | == Safety ==
| |
| − | Depending on their construction, poi can strike the user (or bystanders) with enough force to cause bruising or minor injury. Fire poi can cause burns because the metal parts become very hot and have a very high [[heat transfer coefficient]]. The actual wick has a lower coefficient and is less likely to cause burns, but it can spray or spread fuel and the performer's clothing can catch fire. Costumes for fire spinning should be made of non-flammable materials, such as [[cotton]] and [[leather]]. Synthetic fibers tend to melt when they burn and can cause very severe burns.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Fire poi require a safety regime to deal with the risks of setting on fire either the user, bystanders, or the surroundings. All fire performances should have a sober, rested, and alert spotter who has access to a [[fire extinguisher]] (for putting out material and fuel fires), a damp towel (for extinguishing burning clothes and for extinguishing fire toys at the end of a performance), and a bucket of water (in case a clothing fire gets out of control). The fuel dump should be a metal container located far from the performance area that can quickly be sealed so as to be airtight. This will provide a means to extinguish a fire in the fuel dump. A paint can is an ideal example.
| |
| − | | |
| − | == See also ==
| |
| − | *[[Poi tricks]]
| |
| − | *[[Fire dancing]]
| |
| − | *[[Juggling]]
| |
| − | *[[Circus skills]]
| |
| − | *[[Glowsticking]]
| |
| − | *[[Diabolo]]
| |
| | | | |
| | ==Notes== | | ==Notes== |
| Line 88: |
Line 29: |
| | | | |
| | ==References== | | ==References== |
| − | *Finnigan, Dave (1992). ''The Zen of Juggling.'' Human Kinetics Europe Ltd. ISBN-10: 0961552158 & ISBN-13: 978-0961552152 | + | *R.D. Craig, ''Dictionary of Polynesian Mythology'' (Greenwood Press: New York) 1989, 24-26. |
| | + | *A. Fornander, ''An Account of the Polynesian Race'' 3 volumes. (London: Kegan Paul), 1878-1885. |
| | + | *T. R. Hiroa (Sir Peter Buck), ''The Coming of the Maori''. Second Edition. First Published 1949. Wellington: Whitcombe and Tombs) 1974. |
| | + | *K. R. Howe, 'Ideas of Māori origins', ''Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand'', updated 3-Apr-2006. URL: [http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/IdeasOfMaoriOrigins/en www.TeAra.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/IdeasOfMaoriOrigins/en] |
| | + | *G. Irwin, ''The Prehistoric Exploration and Colonisation of the Pacific''. (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge) 1992. |
| | + | *D.R. Simmons, ''The Great New Zealand Myth: a study of the discovery and origin traditions of the Maori'' (Reed: Wellington) 1976. |
| | + | *S.P. Smith, ''History and Traditions of the Maoris of the W. Coast, North Island, New Zealand'' (New Plymouth: Polynesian Society) 1910. |
| | + | *R. Walter, R. Moeka'a, ''History and Traditions of Rarotonga by Te Ariki Tara 'Are'', (Auckland: The Polynesian Society) 2000, viii. |
| | | | |
| − | == External links ==
| + | [[Category:Māori mythology|Maori migration canoes]] |
| − | *[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do0GAXs12CY]Non traditional poi performance
| |
| − | *[http://www.maori.org.nz/waiata/?d=page&pid=sp103&parent=86/ Maori.org.nz] Traditional Māori poi performance
| |
| − | *[http://www.homeofpoi.com/ Home of Poi] One of the largest and most influential poi communities in the world.
| |
| − | *[http://www.spherculism.net/ Spherculism]~ Advancing the moving arts
| |
| − | *[http://artofpoi.tribe.net/ Tribe.net's Art of Poi] Forum, photo gallery, and event calendar.
| |
| − | *[http://www.fire-dancing.com/fire-poi.php Fire Poi] World-wide fire poi trainers & performers.
| |
| − | *[http://www.playpoi.com/ PlayPoi] Poi website featuring videos and photos, both artistic and instructional
| |
| − | *[http://www.domorepoi.com/ Do More Poi] Poi Lessons, Forums, Funkiness.
| |
| − | *[http://www.poipoi.info/ PoiPoi] UK's biggest Poi manufacturer
| |
| − | *[http://www.poipoi.info/tuition/ PoiPoi Tuition Resource] Downloadable Poi lessons, and an active poi community
| |
| − | *[http://www.drama.org.nz/ejournal.asp?ID=2 Research in New Zealand Performing Arts] - a free online research journal that discusses Maori music and related performing
| |
| − | *[http://www.templeofpoi.com Temple of Poi] First US based full time poi school offering in person and downloadable poi lessons as well as photos and videos.
| |
| − | arts.
| |
| − | [[Category:Poi spinning]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Fire arts]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Circus skills]]
| |
| − | [[Category:New Zealand culture]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Māori]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Dance props]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Twirling]]
| |
| | | | |
| − | [[bg:Пой]]
| + | [[ru:Каноэ переселенцев маори]] |
| − | [[cs:Poi]]
| |
| − | [[da:Poi]]
| |
| − | [[de:Poi]]
| |
| − | [[fr:Poi]]
| |
| − | [[he:פוי]]
| |
| − | [[nl:Poi (jongleren)]]
| |
| − | [[ja:ポイ (ジャグリング)]]
| |
| − | [[nn:Poi]]
| |
| − | [[pl:Poi]]
| |
| − | [[ru:Пои]] | |
| − | [[sk:Poi (žonglovanie)]]
| |
| − | [[sv:Poi]]
| |
Polynesian canoe types, Hawaii, 1784
Various Māori traditions recount how their ancestors set out from a mythical homeland in great ocean-going canoes. Some of these traditions name the homeland as Hawaiki.
Among these is the story of Kupe, who had eloped with Kuramarotini, the wife of Hoturapa, the owner of the great canoe Matahourua, whom Kupe had murdered. To escape punishment for the murder, Kupe and Kura fled in Matahourua and discovered a land he called Aotearoa ('long-white-cloud'). He explored its coast and killed the sea monster Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, finally returning to his home to spread news of his newly discovered land.&
Other stories of various other tribes report migrations to escape famine, over-population, and warfare. These were made in legendary canoes, the best known of which are Aotea, Arawa, Kurahaupō, Mataatua, Tainui, Tākitimu, and Tokomaru. Various traditions name numerous other canoes. Some, including the Āraiteuru, are well known; others including the Kirauta and the sacred Arahura and Mahangaatuamatua are little known. Rather than arriving in a single fleet, the journeys may have occurred over several centuries.
The "great fleet" hypothesis
Polynesian canoe types, Tonga, c1774
An important early collector and preserver of Maori traditions was the surveyor and ethnologist Stephenson Percy Smith. He believed that while the Polynesian traditions may have been flawed in detail, they preserved the threads of truth which could be recovered using a method already well established for Hawaiian traditions by Fornander (1878-1885). This method involved seeking out common elements of tradition from different sources, and aligning these to genealogies to give a time frame for the events. Abraham Fornander, Smith, and others used this method to reconstruct the migrations of the Polynesians, tracing them back to a supposed ancient homeland in India.
S. Percy Smith used the Fornander method, combining disparate traditions from various parts of New Zealand and other parts of Polynesia, to derive a now discredited version of Māori migration to New Zealand -- the 'Great Fleet' hypothesis. Through an examination of the genealogies of various tribes, he came up with a set of precise dates for his 'Great Fleet' and the explorers that he and others posited as having paved the way for the fleet.
According to Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand, "Smith’s account went as follows. In 750 AD the Polynesian explorer Kupe discovered an uninhabited New Zealand. Then in 1000–1100 AD, the Polynesian explorers Toi and Whātonga visited New Zealand, and found it inhabited by a primitive, nomadic people known as the Moriori. Finally, in 1350 AD a ‘great fleet’ of seven canoes – Aotea, Kurahaupō, Mataatua, Tainui, Tokomaru, Te Arawa and Tākitimu – all departed from the Tahitian region at the same time, bringing the people now known as Māori to New Zealand. These were advanced, warlike, agricultural tribes who destroyed the Moriori"&
The great fleet scenario won general acceptance, its adherents even including the famous Māori ethnologist Te Rangi Hiroa (Sir Peter Buck), and was taught in New Zealand schools. However it was effectively demolished during the 1960s by the ethnologist David Simmons, who showed that it derived from an incomplete and indiscriminate study of Māori tradition as recorded in the 19th Century. Simmons also suggests that some of these 'migrations' may actually have been journeys within New Zealand. &
See also
External links
Notes
References
- R.D. Craig, Dictionary of Polynesian Mythology (Greenwood Press: New York) 1989, 24-26.
- A. Fornander, An Account of the Polynesian Race 3 volumes. (London: Kegan Paul), 1878-1885.
- T. R. Hiroa (Sir Peter Buck), The Coming of the Maori. Second Edition. First Published 1949. Wellington: Whitcombe and Tombs) 1974.
- K. R. Howe, 'Ideas of Māori origins', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 3-Apr-2006. URL: www.TeAra.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/IdeasOfMaoriOrigins/en
- G. Irwin, The Prehistoric Exploration and Colonisation of the Pacific. (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge) 1992.
- D.R. Simmons, The Great New Zealand Myth: a study of the discovery and origin traditions of the Maori (Reed: Wellington) 1976.
- S.P. Smith, History and Traditions of the Maoris of the W. Coast, North Island, New Zealand (New Plymouth: Polynesian Society) 1910.
- R. Walter, R. Moeka'a, History and Traditions of Rarotonga by Te Ariki Tara 'Are, (Auckland: The Polynesian Society) 2000, viii.
ru:Каноэ переселенцев маори
