The Māori
terms Taonga, Tino Rangatiratanga, Waka,
Whakapapa & Tapu are often used to describe the Māori culture and its traditions.
The term Taonga translates into treasure in English
and as a matter of fact describes anything highly prized. In the second article
of the Treaty of Waitangi the term “taonga” was used to describe that it is
ensured that the Māori can keep their property and their “taonga” even
if they are put under British rule. In connection to all those descriptions
people obviously start to question the meaning of “taonga”. What exactly is
considered a treasure? Who makes the decision on whether something is entitled
to be a treasure or not? And who decides what belongs to the Māori
population? Nowadays the term “taonga” is used to name some of the Māori historical
institutions and organizations.
Tino Rangatiratanga has recently been said to mean “absolute
sovereignty”. Moreover, it is the name of the Māori
flag which is said to be representing all Māori across New Zealand and was
designed in 1990. The term “tino rangatiratanga” was emphasized after the
inconsistency between the first and the second article of the Treaty of
Waitangi had been revealed. The difficulties with the translations still lead
to debates as to whether the Māori aimed at ceding their sovereignty to the
British Crown by signing the Treaty of Waitangi.
The Māori flag (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Tino_Rangatiratanga_Maori_sovereignty_movement_flag.svg/2000px-Tino_Rangatiratanga_Maori_sovereignty_movement_flag.svg.png)
The term waka translates into “vehicle” or “container”. It is most
frequently used to describe Māori canoes.
The canoes were used for fishing and in wars. Today “waka” refers to cars or
vehicles in general.
Traditional Māori Waka canoe (http://www.tourdispatch.com/shore-excursions/bay-of-islands-new-zealand/480-traditional-maori-waka-canoe.html)
Whakapapa means “to lie flat, “to place in layers” or “to recite in proper order”.
The term is used to name the genealogies.
It is also used as a metaphor for the evolution and creation of the
universe and all living creatures.
Tapu translates into “prohibited”, “restricted”, or “be sacred” and therefore
as a Māori expression describes persons or certain
objects that are sacred and stand under protection. Sometimes a “tapu” is to
some extent a taboo issue and should not be spoken of. Violating a “tapu” was
punished until the first Europeans came to New Zealand. The idea of “tapu” still
exists to this day, but has become less strict.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taonga
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