The Haka
The haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace.
The Haka performed by the All Blacks is called Ka Mate and belongs to the Ngati Toa tribe on New Zealand's North Island. It tells the story of a fleeing chief who escapes capture by hiding from his enemies in a food pit.
Ka Mate initially attracted criticism for the leap included at the end of the performance, which some cultural observers interpreted as a surrender of land. Today, when the team performs Ka Mate, the players keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Haka are a fierce ritual of a tribe's pride, strength and unity. Actions include violent foot-stamping, sticking out their tongue and rhythmic body slapping to go with a loud chant. The words of a haka often describe ancestors and events in the tribe's history.
Today, haka are still used during Māori ceremonies and celebrations to honour guests and show the importance of the occasion. This includes family events, like birthdays and weddings.
Haka are also used to challenge opponents on the sports field. You may have seen a haka performed by New Zealand’s All Blacks before a rugby match?
The haka has changed dramatically in the past 40 years. The video below is footage of The haka evolution from 1973 - 2011.
The haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace.
The Haka performed by the All Blacks is called Ka Mate and belongs to the Ngati Toa tribe on New Zealand's North Island. It tells the story of a fleeing chief who escapes capture by hiding from his enemies in a food pit.
Ka Mate initially attracted criticism for the leap included at the end of the performance, which some cultural observers interpreted as a surrender of land. Today, when the team performs Ka Mate, the players keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Today, haka are still used during Māori ceremonies and celebrations to honour guests and show the importance of the occasion. This includes family events, like birthdays and weddings.
Haka are also used to challenge opponents on the sports field. You may have seen a haka performed by New Zealand’s All Blacks before a rugby match?
The haka has changed dramatically in the past 40 years. The video below is footage of The haka evolution from 1973 - 2011.
Footage from a 1973 tour match between the All Blacks and the Barbarians in Cardiff shows the Kiwis performing a less intense version of the dance than modern crowds have come to expect.
The newer version of the Haka shows more passion from the players and aggressiveness which includes slapping their body and loud chants.
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