Haka! Te Tohu O Te Whenua Rangatira : The Dance Of A Noble People

All New Zealanders are familiar with haka, especially the famous "Ka mate, ka mate", but few would be able to describe what haka really is. Professor Timoti Karetu is an acknowledged authority on haka and a longtime judge of haka competitions. In this enlightening introduction to haka, he describes the various kinds of haka in Maori culture, and outlines some of the themes commonly used in the all important texts. He also looks at the role of haka in legend and tradition, reviews the first written descriptions of haka by early Pakeha observers, and shows how haka have changed in recent years. Several haka texts are reproduced, both in English and Maori. Illustrated with a selection of historical and contemporary photographs, this is a book that fills an important gap in our knowledge of a vital aspect of Maori culture.