Singing was an important aspect of old Maori life and still plays a larger part in it than it does in the life of the average European. The Maori loves singing and sings very well, in most cases being gifted with a pleasing voice and a good ear. Visitors to New Zealand are invariably impressed, [...]

Language is the basis of that vital section of the arts which includes singing and oratory, and should be considered prior to a study of these two and of the associated art of dancing. Maori is the southernmost branch of the Austronesia or Malayo-Polynesian family of languages. It is closely related to the tongues of [...]

Carving was used on many articles of everyday life—weapons, agricultural implements, boxes, ornaments, stockade posts, and gateways. A number of excellent examples of carving now in museums have been discovered in swamps where they had been placed for security in times of stress, or for seasoning.

Tattooing, too, is a form of carving, for the designs [...]

THE ARTS of the Maori are linked in spirit with those of all mankind, the desire to satisfy a longing for beauty, for truth, and for self-expression. Decoration of person and possessions is one aspect, the expression of feelings through dance and song is another. In some of his arts the Maori has carried on [...]

The Maori are the indigenous peoples of New Zealand. Like all cultures, the Maori expressed themselves in artistic ways. The Maori, however, have no word for “art.” The traditional expert, or tohunga, in carving or weaving does not create a piece of art. They are merely the vessel used by the gods to express them [...]