AY Honors/Māori Lore/Answer Key
Poi is a form of juggling with balls on ropes, held in the hands and swung in various circular patterns, similar to club-twirling. It was originally practiced by the Māori people of New Zealand (the word poi means "ball" in Māori). Women used it 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. This art in conjunction with others like waiata a ringa, haka and titi torea form the performance art of Kapa haka.
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 outside of Māori culture. Poi swingers use everything from rolled-up socks to expensive devices with light-emitting diodes and combine swinging with body moves. One of the most popular forms is known as fire poi when the poi are made using kevlar wick 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.
