DANZKapa Haka's Rich and Developing Cultural Fabric
By Piri Sciascia
Kapa Haka has been known by many other titles and phrases in the history of Maori people. Today the term refers to the traditional performing arts and is a term recently coined. Kapa means a group, and haka means to dance. Dance groups as such have been known as ropu, or cultural groups. The term has also come to refer to the performance activity itself. In any case we may be assured that the performing arts of the Maori people have been a part of the culture since inception, indeed since the first Maori ever stood to dance.
Significance of Kapa Haka in NZ
Kapa haka plays an important role in profiling Maori dance. The Maori media programming of many kapa haka events around the country, including those of high schools and primary schools, is a major component of viewing options at a nation-wide level.
Purpose
Kapa Haka serves to uphold mana Maori motuhake. Our favoured groups enjoy a following that over time promotes the arts as a whole, but particularly draws focus to the style of a particular group. This style may be copied or borrowed, or usually adapted to provide a rich and developing cultural fabric.
Read the full article (Iss. 34) Kapa Haka's Rich and Developing Cultural Fabric
Other related DANZ Magazine articles
The Evolution of Kapa Haka - Te Matatini
Kaumatua Kapa Haka, Dancing Through the Ages - by Tanemahuta Gray
Haka Theatre - by Gaylene Sciascia
Also read Te Matatini's Benefits of Kapa Haka