New Zealand - Maori Culture
- The Maori Poi Dance
- Photo Postcard Format
Poi
- Refers to both a style of performing art and the equipment used for engaging in poi performance.
- As a performance art, poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns.
- Poi artists may also sing or dance while swinging their poi.
- Poi can be made from various materials with different handles, weights, and effects (such as fire).
- Poi originated with the Māori people of New Zealand, where it is still practiced today.
- Poi has also gained a following in many other countries.
- The expansion of poi culture has led to a significant evolution of the styles practiced, the tools used, and the definition of the word "poi."
(source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poi_(performance_art))
Maori People
- The indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand
- Māori originated with settlers from eastern Polynesia
- Arrived in New Zealand in several waves of waka (canoe) voyages between roughly 1320 and 1350
- Over several centuries in isolation, these settlers developed their own distinctive culture
(Reference: Wikipedia)