The Maori are the native inhabitants of New Zealand. Games are very important to the Maori, and they have many different kinds. Games are so important for several reasons. First, many of the games that they play teach lessons and life skills to children. Some games are used as religious rituals, and many games are played simply because they were fun. One favorite game of the Maori was Poi Rakau. The basics of the game were that a single warrior stand in the middle of a circle of other warriors and try to catch and return sticks they throw.
- This was used to help warriors develop spear skills for hunting and fighting.
- Men and women could play.
- Whoever drops the stick is out.
- The last person standing wins.
- The circle was called Wi.
- The people in the circle were called Tukunga.
- The person in the middle was called Putahi.
- The sticks or, Rakau, were traditionally made of Mako wood.
- There are variations where people stand in two lines facing each other instead of a circle.
- Usually they chant while playing.
- This game improves hand-eye coordination (the ability for hands and eyes to work together) and speed.
- To make it harder, there is an optional rule where the person that catches the stick must use the opposite hand than the person who threw the stick. For example, if the Putahi threw with his left hand, then the Tukunga must catch it with his right hand.
While throwing sharp sticks isn’t very safe, there are similar games that anyone can play today. All you need is a group of people and a ball. Have one person stand in the center of a circle and quickly pass the ball around. Anyone who does not catch it or makes a bad pass is out. The last person standing is the winner. This is a great way for anyone to exercise, have fun with friends and improve throwing and catching skills, just like the Maori warriors.
For more information about the Maori and their games, visit the following websites: www.teara.govt.nz/en/traditional-maori-games-nga-takaro, www.r2r.org.nz/games-activities-maori-youth/poi-rakau.html, http://matarikiwaihi.wikispaces.com/file/view/Maori+Games+Booklet2010_small.pdf
