Māori World Lecture 7
Welcome and Introduction
The speaker, Dan Hukuro, opens the session by welcoming everyone and introducing the topic: Matauranga Maori. He encourages participants, regardless of their prior exposure to the topic, to engage and learn something new.
Understanding Pepeha
Definition and Importance
Pepeha: A Maori form of self-introduction used in formal or semi-formal settings. It emphasizes personal identity in relation to one's land, ancestors, and genealogy rather than focusing solely on the individual.
The speaker expresses that when one introduces themselves using pepeha, their name comes last. This highlights the significance of the land (Waitomo, Ofahwhe De Maunga, Tukikapu) and the responsibility to uphold its wellbeing.
Relational Identity
By stating "I am the river and the river is me," it reflects a relational identity where an individual's sense of self is intertwined with their environment.
This establishes the foundation for understanding Matauranga Maori, which is rooted in connectedness to the world.
Overview of Matauranga Maori
Definition
Matauranga Maori: A holistic knowledge system that encompasses knowledge, culture, values, and a Maori worldview. It is dynamic and evolves over time, drawing on traditions while also adapting to contemporary changes.
Components of Matauranga Maori
Knowledge Creation: Linked to the environment, including natural elements like land, forests, oceans, and celestial bodies. It has been passed down through generations and reflects a continuous process of learning and adapting.
Dynamic Nature: Examples include the Maramataka (lunar calendar) which illustrates how traditional knowledge adapts to seasonal changes and potentially the impacts of climate change.
The Maramataka
Overview of the Calendar
Maramataka: A Maori lunar calendar based on the nights of the moon. It assists in predicting natural phenomena such as flowering of plants and behaviour of marine life.
Its relevance is underscored by how traditional seasons do not align neatly with the Gregorian calendar, focusing instead on local ecological indicators for seasonal changes.
Dynamic Observations of Nature
The Maramataka reflects the observation that environmental patterns shift, reinforcing the dynamism of Matauranga Maori through continuous updating of knowledge.
Oral Traditions in Matauranga Maori
Importance of Oral Knowledge Transmission
Traditional Maori culture lacked written documentation, relying instead on oral forms, such as stories (purako), chants, and songs for knowledge transmission.
This oral tradition maintained knowledge and cultural practices while allowing for generational adaptations in the content.
Example of Wharenui
The speaker shows an image of Umutahi Marae.
Wharenui: A meeting house that contains significant cultural knowledge and intricate carvings that tell stories of ancestry, identity, and history. The unique designs reflect both traditional and modern construction methods, utilizing local materials like totara.
Kilns and Carvings: Carvings embody the identity of ancestors through detailed moko (tattoo designs).
The Intersection of Science and Matauranga Maori
Bridging Knowledge Systems
The speaker discusses their background in science and how particular scientific training emphasizes singular answers, contrasting it with Matauranga Maori, which embraces multiple truths.
Discussion using Humpback Whale Example
The speaker questions the identification of a humpback whale:
Its scientific name is Megaptera novaeangliae, meaning “large winged New Englander.”
In Maori culture, it is referred to as Paikea, linking it to historical narratives. This exemplifies differing cultural perspectives on the same subject.
Worldviews and Understanding
Concept of Worldview
Every person has a worldview, which influences beliefs about reality and how one perceives events.
Dominant worldviews often go unrecognized until they encounter contrasting beliefs, illustrated by early misconceptions about the shape of the Earth during Columbus' time.
Recognition of Different Perspectives
Encourages recognition of other people's perspectives and interpretations which differ from one's own, thus fostering a broader understanding of knowledge systems.
The Role of Whakapapa
Understanding Whakapapa
Whakapapa: More than genealogy, Whakapapa connects all things to primal ancestors, Rangi Nui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother), establishing a foundational Maori worldview.
Creation Stories
There are various versions of creation whakapapa that explain the origins of all life and its interconnections.
The process involves transitions through different realms (Te Kore, Te Po, Te Ao Marama), demonstrating deep relational ties in Maori cosmology.
Purako and Their Significance
Understanding Purako
Purako: Stories grounded in observations of natural phenomena, providing cultural explanations for events based on a Maori worldview. The stories of Maui serve as prime examples of codifying observations into mythology.
Examples of Purako
Illustrates how observations are translated into meaningful cultural narratives, guiding people’s experiences and decisions based on natural occurrences.
Taniwha and Cultural Significance
The Concept of Taniwha
Depending on the context, Taniwha can represent both danger and protection; they serve as guardians and must be respected to maintain safety in the environment.
Case Study of Taniwha
An example is documented regarding a Taniwha named Karutahi, showing cultural beliefs influencing decisions in modern urban planning, emphasizing the relevance of cultural knowledge in practical applications.
Climate Change and Contemporary Relevance
Using Traditional Knowledge Today
Contemporary applications of Mathematanga Maori involve recognizing Taniwha areas in climate risk assessments.
This demonstrates the significance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern scientific methods to address climate change impacts.
Mauri as a Concept
Understanding Mauri
Mauri: Represents the lifeforce that binds physical and spiritual aspects of the world. It reflects the health and vitality of beings and ecosystems.
Indicators of Mauri
By assessing environmental conditions, such as water quality and health of ecosystems, one can intuitively gauge the mauri of a place. Two contrasting river environments illustrate this.
Kaitiakitanga: Guardianship and Sustainability
Definition and Importance
Kaitiakitanga: The notion of guardianship, emphasizing sustainability and stewardship of the environment for future generations, grounded in Matauranga Maori.
It involves intergenerational sustainability based on a deep understanding of ecological knowledge.
Example of Kaitiakitanga in Practice
Case study of vision for Okahu Bay, reflecting efforts to restore mauri and environmental health through sustainable practices.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Summarizes the interconnected components of Matauranga Maori, emphasizing the importance of a holistic worldview that accommodates multiple understandings of knowledge.
Encourages students to recognize and appreciate diverse ways of knowing, and reflects on how this enriches overall understanding of the world and sustainable practices for future generations.