AY Honors/Māori Lore/Answer Key
The Māori word poi means "ball." More specifically, poi refers to a form of manipulation with balls on ropes, held in the hands and swung in various circular patterns, similar to club-twirling. This was traditionally practiced by women as an exercise to increase flexibility of the wrists and hands, and by men to increase strength in the arms and coordination. It developed into a traditional performance art practiced mostly by women.
Some say that originally it was less art and more utilitarian in that it was how the kai (food) was traditionally prepared: attaching the ball-like poi to rope and swinging it in circles to build momentum and then smashing on rocks or other hard surfaces.
Today, poi swinging is seeing wide popularity. Poi swingers use everything from rolled-up socks to expensive devices with light-emitting diodes and combine swinging with body moves. This is fire dancing when the poi are made of wicks and set on fire.
External links
- Home of Poi Comprehensive information about POI, staff and fire twirling, including animated lessons, discussion forums, building instructions, articles and a shop.
- Fire Poi World-wide fire poi trainers & performers.
- PoiPoi Online Poi Community with tips and tricks, videos and instruction.
