Maori performers doing the haka (war dance) at Melbourne Festival, Australia
Image details
Contributor:
Kirsty McLaren / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
FC3WXBFile size:
38.6 MB (1.3 MB Compressed download)Releases:
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4500 x 3000 px | 38.1 x 25.4 cm | 15 x 10 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
25 March 2006Location:
Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaMore information:
The Haka is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance, or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. War haka were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition, but haka are also performed for various reasons: for welcoming distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great achievements, occasions or funerals, and kapa haka performance groups are very common in schools. War haka (peruperu) were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition. Today, haka constitute an integral part of formal or official welcome ceremonies for distinguished visitors or foreign dignitaries, serving to impart a sense of the importance of the occasion.