MAORI RITES AND CEREMONIES: ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF THE MAORI KING MOVEMENT

Abstract

The present BA Thesis centers on studying the K¿ngitanga (M¿ori King Movement) contribution to preserve M¿ori culture during and after British colonization over New Zealand. The main objective is to verify if the movement has influenced the conservation, protection and transmission of M¿ori rituals that existed prior to colonization. To do so, a comparative methodology has been used to examine possible changes between how rituals were originally performed and how are nowadays conducted. Results obtained denote that through the pass of time rituals have suffered certain variations due to sociopolitical changes and European influence mainly observed in the integration of Christian elements. Conclusions suggest that colonialists¿ impact is mainly perceived in newly created ceremonies and that integrated changes are part of natural social and cultural evolution. K¿ngitanga has not been able to preserve rites in the same way as they used to be done but has been capable of maintaining their original essence throughout time. As well, the movement has been useful in promoting M¿ori culture by creating new rituals while constantly performing already existing ones.