Polynesian Mythology

A black and white engraving within a thin rectangular border shows seven men performing a dynamic dance. These indigenous men are depicted with dark skin and athletic builds. They wear various waist garments. Some wear simple white cloth wraps, while the central figure wears a thick, fringed skirt made of grass or fiber. Several men have small feathered or leafy ornaments in their hair. The men hold various objects high, including muskets held by the barrels, clubs, and an axe. Their expressions and gestures suggest a vigorous and intense performance. The illustration uses the fine-lined ethnographic style of 18th or 19th-century explorers.

WAR DANCE.

original: "War Dance, indigenous, weapons, muskets, engraving, ethnographic illustration"

POLYNESIAN MYTHOLOGY.

...the Tapatapahukarere The name means "Cutting through the foam.", the Toroa-i-taipakihi The name means "Albatross of the offshore tides.", the Hakirere This name suggests a swift or gliding flight., and the Mahunu-awatea The name translates to "Sun-scorched at noon.". To all the other canoes they prepared for this purpose, they also gave names. When they had finished lashing the top-boards to the hulls of the canoes, their mother Apakura Apakura is a central figure in Māori tradition. She personifies a mother’s grief and is credited with composing the first funeral laments., along with all her female attendants, began to beat and prepare fern root aruhe: The starchy rhizome of the bracken fern. This was a staple food and an essential ration for long sea voyages. for the warriors to carry as provisions. While the women were thus engaged in preparing the food for the war party, who were about to set out to avenge the death of Tuwhakararo, they constantly repeated a lament waiata tangi: A song of mourning meant to rouse the emotions of the warriors and strengthen their resolve for battle. for the young man to stir the hearts of the fighters.

Now, the army of Whakatau-potiki The youngest brother in the family. He was a powerful priest and warrior who led the expedition for revenge. embarked. They set out in a thousand canoes and floated out into the open sea. Proceeding on their course, they landed at a certain place along their route, and there the army of Whakatau held a review tūwaewae: A formal military exercise and inspection. Warriors used these drills to show their skill with weapons and their readiness for combat. to show how wel...