After a long and rainy day we went to the Tamaki Maori Village to learn more about and to experience the Maori culture. When we got to the village we did everything in a traditional way, participating in the Powhiri or the ceremony of welcome. Before we were let into the village our "chiefs" gave a peace offering to the Tamaki chief-a fern leaf. Throughout the tour of the pre-European village we got to learn about games, training, tools, and hunting, as well, as the lifestyles and roles of the warriors and women. Katie and I also got to join in the fun and danced with Poi balls with some of the women of the village. After our tour we were treated to a show of music, dancing, and story-telling where we got to see what we had been learning about put into action. The evening ended with a traditional hangi, or meal. This was a meal of chicken, lamb, carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes that were steamed underground for about three hours. Here are some videos and pictures from our eventful evening, including one of Katie and I with Poi balls. *Photos and videos were taken on iPhone, apologies for formatting or quality issues*
Conch shell being blown to announce show | Maori dance |