Pōhiri Flashcards
Pohiri (or powhiri) involves two groups, these are…
The tangata whenua and the manuhiri (visitors).
How does the concept of waewae tapu relate to pohiri?
Waewae tapu means sacred feet/legs, if you have never visited before then you are in a state of tapu; the pohiri is essentially the process of removing the tapu from the manuhiri so that they can be in a state of noa; this is a process of whakanoa (to build balance)
What is step 1 of pohiri?
Waerea: A protective karakia.
The manuhiri do this before the pohiri begins to protect themselves because they know that they are in a high state of tapu.
What is step 2 of pohiri?
Whakaeke: The slow movement onto the marae atea (the courtyard).
A haka pohiri may be performed at this time.
What is step 3 of pohiri?
Wero: This is performed by a young warrior from the tangata whenua to essentially understand the intentions of the manuhiri.
A taki is laid, if picked up this shows the manuhiri have come in peace.
Which step of the pohiri is reserved for esteemed guests?
Step 3: Wero.
This step is usually only for special occasions, it’s a reflection of mana so is organised for very important guests.
What is step 4 of pohiri?
Karanga: A call or chant by women on both sides. The two kaikaranga have a conversation which weaves a spiritual rope, pulling the manuhiri onto the marae.
What is step 5 of pohiri?
WHAIKŌRER: An opportunity to challenge each other, debate, grieve together. Not a rehearsed speech, but a impromptu conversation which opens up into a debate. Performed by men on both sides. Also part of this step is the WAIATA TAUTOKO: A waiata is sung in support after the speech, typically by the women.
What is step 6 of pohiri?
Koha: A gift. The manuhiri lay down a gift or contribution to acknowledge the tangata whenua for receiving them and looking after them.
What is step 7 of pohiri?
Hongi: Pressing of noses. Symbolic of sharing breath. Equality, equal ground, noa.
What is step 8 of pohiri?
HĀKARI: The feast. The final stage of the process. The final step in lifting tapu, food is an agent of noa. Also a reflection of manaaki and mana.
What are the special roles for women during pohiri?
Wahine from both sides lead the Karanga.
Wahine lead the Waiata Tautoko.
Wahine control the pace of the pohiri, they can interrupt the Whaikorero with waiata if they feel it’s time for the men to stop talking.
What are the special roles for men during pohiri?
Tane lead the Wero.
Tane lead the Whaikorero too.
These are both areas of risk.
Why don’t women typically take part in the wero and whaikorero?
These are both areas of risk. These tikanga were developed during a time of black magic and cannibalism.
Wahine extremely important for bringing life, don’t put them in the front line.
This is the realm of atua Tu-mata-uenga (the warrior people).
Why is pohiri important?
Maintaining tikanga of the marae.
Properly addressing tapu and noa associated with waewae tapu.
The survival of te reo Māori; this is the richest te reo Maori you’ll hear.
