This week I watched some of Te Matatini with my children. We had a good look at what each group was wearing and their marks, discussing the colours, shapes and patterns we saw. We listened to the songs, listening for words we knew, songs we knew, and trying to decide what each song was about by the sounds and actions and facial expressions.
It was lovely to watch, even if only from home, and the children were making connections with what they could see and what they do in kapa haka at school. We saw the talent of the poi being spun in rhythm, the noise of feet pounding on the stage, the way the fabric moved as they spun and move across the stage.
If anyone else wants to watch it, go to https://www.tematatini.co.nz/te-matatini-festival/te-matatini-2019/
What is Te Matatini?
Te Matatini is a national Māori performing arts festival in which kapa haka performers from all around Aotearoa compete in the Te Matatini festival.
It has the kaupapa (purpose) "To foster, develop and protect kapa haka in the pursuit of excellence."
So what does Te Matatini mean?
Te Mata meaning the face and tini denoting many — hence the meaning of Te Matatini is many faces.
Here are some other words I think are helpful to know when you watch Te Matatini.
- Kapa haka - Māori performing arts, kapa means form a line, haka means dance. Kapa haka involves choral singing, dancing, action songs, and learning the haka (that is a challenge). Facial expressions are important to the delivery. There is often guitar accompaniment, sometimes pūtatara (it is a shell you blow into), poi, rākau and body percussion (stamping feet and chests).
- Tāonga - treasure, trophy
- Toa Whakaihuwaka - overall winner
- Waiata - song
- Poi - round ball attached to a plait, spun around during songs
- Manukura Wahine/Manukura Tane - the female /male leader of the group
- Kakahu - the costumes, everything is judged at Te Matatini - weavers, moko and tuhi kiri (tattoo) artists, and carvers.
- Roopu - group
I have probably missed loads, but here is a start.
