From traditional Maori tribes to large stadium venues
“I may die! I may die! I may live! I may live!
I may die! I may die! I may live! I may live!
This is the hairy man
Who brought the sun and caused it to shine
A step upward, another step upward!
A step upward, another… the Sun shines!”
– Ka Mate, Te Rauparaha
Those are the powerful words of the Ka Mate, an example of a Maori haka – a traditional ancestral dance, or war cry, of the Maori people. A common sight for any rugby fan, the haka has made its way into the public eye – passing through generations of rich cultural history. Popularized by the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team, the haka is used as a pre-game ritual to instill fear and intimidation in their opponents.
Adapted from traditional Maori techniques, which utilize strong and jolting body movements, the haka has become commonplace in the rugby world. However, there are many misconceptions regarding the haka and its cultural history. While the haka has been mainly conceived as a war cry, it has traditionally been used by the Maori people in a variety of ways. The All Blacks have made one specific type of haka quite popular, but there are many examples of the haka being used as a cultural and artistic artifact.
The haka can also be seen as a Maori dance, signalling great artistic expression and intricate body movements. While most types of hakas are primarily performed by men with females having secondary roles, there are still hakas in which the performers are predominantly female.
In the sports world, the haka performed by the New Zealand All Blacks is truly an amazing sight to behold. The synchronized movements, the ferocious chanting, and the un-breaking eye contact undoubtedly stirs tremendous amounts of fear and amazement among the opposing team. While some have seen the performance of the haka before a rugby match as disrespectful, many opponents have come to respect the ritual as a crucial part of New Zealand history. First performed by the 1888-1889 New Zealand Natives football team, it has been a staple of the New Zealand national team since 1905.
Typically, the opposing team stands about 10-meters away from the All Blacks and watches them perform the routine in its entirety. In a 2007 matchup against the Portuguese national team, it was business as usual for the All Blacks, who began to perform their haka. Portuguese Captain Vasco Uva spoke highly of the haka and its importance to the rugby tradition.
“[We] faced it, gave it the respect it deserved,” Uva said. “…it gave us motivation, and we knew if it gave them strength, it was also a point of strength for us.”
Anyone who has had the pleasure of witnessing a haka can attest to the resonating effect it can have among individuals. While the haka can be viewed as an entertaining spectacle among audiences, it is important to remember and cultivate awareness of the historical richness of the haka as a crucial piece of the Maori culture.