Maori Oral Narratives vs. Pakeha Written Texts

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does Witi Ihimaera’s novel The Matriarch illustrate about Maori traditions?

  • It shows a combination of myth with historical narratives. (correct)
  • It focuses solely on the impact of biblical traditions.
  • It promotes a purely historical perspective without myth.
  • It separates mythology from historical events.

What do all Maori movements trace their origins to?

  • Historical treaties with colonial powers.
  • A lineage of Maori prophet-leaders. (correct)
  • Shared cultural artifacts from ancient times.
  • Western political philosophies.

How are the cosmogonic traditions described in relation to Maori history?

  • They are simplistic and easily dismissed.
  • They solely focus on supernatural elements.
  • They have no relevance to modern Maori identity.
  • They have been interwoven with biblical hermeneutic traditions. (correct)

What is indicated about the telling of history according to the content?

<p>It reflects the priorities of the narrators. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does matakite play in Maori movements?

<p>It infuses the prophetic tradition in these movements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Albert Wendt suggest about the relationship between memory and society?

<p>Memory shapes the identity of individuals and society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of history has predominantly dominated in the twentieth century in New Zealand?

<p>Written histories by European colonizers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Maori typically transmit their histories?

<p>Primarily through oral narratives, songs, and proverbs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prediction did Mohe Tawhai make regarding Maori sayings?

<p>They would become forgotten and marginalized. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one fundamental difference between oral and written histories?

<p>Oral histories rely on interpretation and storytelling. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key location in Maori society for explaining the present using the past?

<p>The marae and its meeting-house. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what aspect does historical rewriting convey?

<p>Subjectivity and new perspectives on the past. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'cultural heritage' contribute to the understanding of history?

<p>It influences interpretations based on time and place. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary significance of genealogy in Maori history?

<p>It is central to narratives and identity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which traditional narrative form is primarily used to test listeners' comprehension?

<p>Riddle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What made Pinepine Te Rika tapu?

<p>Her climb up Maungapohatu. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How was the solution to the riddle regarding the stone discovered?

<p>During a collective dream after prayer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tapu' imply in the context of Pinepine's experiences?

<p>A state of sacredness and separation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is represented by the hidden diamond in Maori narratives?

<p>A symbol of mana and guardianship. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Maori oral history reflects the personal experiences of the ancestors?

<p>Critical narratives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential conflict present within the narratives discussed?

<p>Differences in storytelling among tribes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the practice of feeding Pinepine with feeding sticks signify?

<p>The influence of the gods on her life. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of Maori history?

<p>Conflicted and complex. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does prayer play in the riddle of the stone?

<p>It provided divine assistance for understanding. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Maori oral tradition differ from written texts regarding the same events?

<p>Oral traditions capture emotional experiences better. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Pinepine's experience indicates she was chosen for her divine interactions?

<p>The visions she received on the mountain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is history perceived in Maori culture according to oral traditions?

<p>History involves a dynamic relationship between past and present. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms ‘nga kupu a nga tipuna’ and ‘nga kupu tuku iho’ refer to?

<p>The words and phrases of the ancestors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did oral narratives play for the Ringatu followers of Te Kooti?

<p>They served as the primary means of conveying their history. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Western-trained historians originally interpret Maori history?

<p>Through a lens of colonialist attitudes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in Maori history in terms of identity?

<p>Connections to family and ancestors (whanau and hapu). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Te Kooti's followers believe about their relationship with him?

<p>It was defined by ritual obligations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Maori oral tradition, what is the significance of mana?

<p>It symbolizes prestige and spiritual power derived from ancestors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the great-granddaughter of Te Kooti express ignorance about her ancestor?

<p>She was actively encouraged to forget about him. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase ‘nga ra o mua’ mean?

<p>The days that lie ahead. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the historical narrative taught in Poverty Bay about Te Kooti?

<p>An overwhelmingly negative portrayal of him. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Maori history often emphasize in its structure?

<p>Kinship and ancestry. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the interaction between Gillian Chaplin and Judith Binney help clarify?

<p>The differences in perspectives between colonizers and the colonized. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Maori oral narrative tradition?

<p>It establishes meaning for events and validates family claims to mana. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mana' signify in the context of Maori culture?

<p>Authority and prestige. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did ancestors influence the narratives held by Maori families?

<p>They shaped the understanding and interpretation of history. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the Maramatanga tradition primarily characterized?

<p>A Catholic faith preserving Maori historical explanations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Maori oral history primarily serve as, according to the content?

<p>An alternative to colonial historical accounts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do ancestral spirits play in Maori cosmology?

<p>They are mediums for communication between the living and the divine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content say about Maori history's structuring principles?

<p>It is centered around family history and genealogy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does a Western historian face regarding Maori oral history?

<p>Translating oral histories into their own historical context. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'juxtapose them' imply in the context of rewriting history?

<p>To compare different historical methods without reconciliation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main purposes of oral history according to the content?

<p>To provide a subjective interpretation of human experience. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Eria play in Ringatu history?

<p>He was the leading tohunga to teach the faith. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote from Chinua Achebe suggest about the nature of storytelling?

<p>Different cultures have their own truths expressed through stories. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for historians to retain the integrity of oral histories when documenting them?

<p>Oral histories represent the original perspectives of communities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of oral histories as described in the content?

<p>They involve the personal presence of the narrator. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes Maori oral narratives from Western historical writing?

<p>Maori narratives focus on family lineage and cultural context. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Paora Tuhaere narrate his history?

<p>By integrating events that happened before his birth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the document characterize the relationship between Maori and Pakeha histories?

<p>Each history provides valuable insights but from different cultural standpoints. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'kinship I' refer to in the context of Maori narratives?

<p>The deep emotional connection to ancestors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What shift occurs in the focus of ancestral stories over time?

<p>They shift towards immediate ancestors of the living whanau. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of oral histories is emphasized through the responsibility of recording them?

<p>They must be recorded accurately without cultural bias. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do women play in the transmission of Maori history?

<p>They are the main composers of lullabies for children. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'wharengaro' signify in Maori culture?

<p>The family experience of losing children. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the community historically reflect on events like Henare's shooting?

<p>They are remembered as significant communal tragedies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Maori oral narratives is especially highlighted in Te Puhi's storytelling?

<p>The emphasis on her mother's teachings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Maori society, what drives the inner strength of the whanau?

<p>The contributions of women. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is noted as a major figure in relation to Te Kooti and Rua?

<p>Eria, a leading tohunga. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common source of narratives in the Maori Land Court during the nineteenth century?

<p>Personal accounts presented orally. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the evolution of oral narratives have on stories like that of Rua and Pinepine?

<p>They could gain new interpretations and variations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Te Hira Uetuku went to see Te Kooti?

<p>To preserve his family’s rights to their land (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What gift did Te Kooti give to Te Hira to protect the tribal mountain?

<p>A sacred diamond (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mauri' signify in this narrative?

<p>The spiritual essence of people or places (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Te Kooti imply when he told Te Hira he could sell the rest of Mangatu but not the mountain?

<p>The mountain held historical importance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the practice of misleading people, according to Te Kooti’s customs?

<p>To test their faith (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Te Hira refuse when offered by Te Kooti upon his visit?

<p>A bottle of whisky (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative establishes a relationship between Te Hira’s family and which historical figure?

<p>Te Kooti (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the diamond have in the Maori narrative discussed?

<p>It represents hidden wealth and spiritual protection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of the narrator’s great-grandmother as described in the content?

<p>To maintain the mana and power given to her (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'hei kuiti nga tikanga o te iwi Maori' imply about Te Kuiti?

<p>It serves as a gathering place for resolving issues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is history perceived among the Ringatu people, according to the narrative?

<p>As an extension of mythology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is described as an expected outcome of the narratives about Te Kooti?

<p>Guaranteed autonomy for the people (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the family’s lineage is highlighted as significant in the narrative?

<p>Their connection to prophetic teachings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the relationship between Te Hira’s father and Te Kooti?

<p>Te Kooti was a mentor to him (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred on Wharekauri involving Te Kooti?

<p>Te Kooti received a revelation from the angel Michael. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two elements formed the framework of thought in Pinepine's world?

<p>Maori traditions and scriptural origins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the predictive form of telling history emphasize in the Ringatu narratives?

<p>The verification of prophecies by events. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Te Kooti's mana play according to the oral narratives?

<p>It was shared with those who followed him. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the interaction between Te Whiu Maraki and Rua depicted in the narrative?

<p>Te Whiu's reluctance to share power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between past events and prophetic sayings in the narratives?

<p>They are viewed as cyclical and interconnected. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the 'burden' of the powers held by Te Kooti's followers?

<p>They must use them wisely either for good or for ill. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Maori narratives is unique to each family's story?

<p>The tribal heroes and their mana. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mana' signify in the context of Te Kooti and Maori leaders?

<p>Spiritual authority and power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which narrative feature is highlighted as prevalent in oral societies as seen in Maori storytelling?

<p>Predictive elements and prophetic words. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the oral histories surrounding Te Kooti?

<p>They emphasize the autonomy of the people in their land. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In relation to Te Kooti, what significance does the concept of 'taonga' hold?

<p>It encompasses precious objects and knowledge shared with followers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrative suggest about the connection between Maori leaders and colonizers?

<p>Maori leaders' authority is separate and predates that of colonizers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What story element is often used to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecies in Maori narratives?

<p>Testimonial forms of telling history. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Oral History

The process of transmitting historical information through spoken word, songs, proverbs, and genealogy.

Written History

The process of transmitting historical information through written documents, books, and other forms of written records.

Understanding Different Histories

The ability to understand and interpret the historical experiences of different groups, especially those that have been marginalized or silenced.

History as an Interpretation

The process of how past events are shaped and interpreted by those living in the present, influencing the understanding and memory of the past.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subjectivity in Oral Narratives

The inherent subjectivity of oral narratives, where stories are passed down through generations and evolve, reflecting the changing perspectives and interpretations of each generation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Explaining the Present through the Past

The process of using past experiences to explain and understand the present, highlighting the connection between the past and the present.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Marae

The traditional gathering place and meeting house in Maori society, where history, knowledge, and cultural values are expressed and passed down through generations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mythic Cell

The central symbolic meaning or message of a story, often expressed through parables or symbolic representations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pinepine's world view

A framework of thought that combined Māori traditions and scriptural interpretations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Matakite

A person with special spiritual insight and ability to see into the future.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tohunga

A person skilled in interpreting signs and omens.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Te Kooti's revelation

The revelation of a combined world view to Te Kooti on the island of Wharekauri.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Te Hononga

The marriage of Māori ancestral lineage and prophetic teachings from Abraham to Christ.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nga Kupu Whakaari

The prophetic sayings of a leader that come to pass in other events.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Predictive form of telling history

The use of oral storytelling to pass down predictions and interpretations of history.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mana atua

The idea that power given to leaders is temporary and can be used for good or evil.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Taonga

Precious objects and знания that are passed down to followers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Transfer of mana

The transfer of Te Kooti's divinely bestowed power to his successor.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mana and God

The idea that Maori mana (authority) predates colonialism and is sustained by God through prophets.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maori vs. Colonial authority

The separate nature of Maori leadership from colonial authority.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Similarity in Maori narratives

The common element found in stories about Maori heroes, despite individual differences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Te Kooti's protection

The central importance of protection and bestowal of mana upon the people in Maori narratives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mana of individuals

The unique stories of each individual hero and their ancestral lineages.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maori Prophetic Tradition

The belief that a lineage of prophets guides Maori movements, both religious and political, and their narratives offer solutions to contemporary challenges.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maori Hermeneutic Tradition

The integration of traditional Maori cosmogonic beliefs with Biblical interpretations within Maori narratives and leadership.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subjectivity in History

The concept that history is not neutral but reflects the perspectives and priorities of those who tell it.

Signup and view all the flashcards

History as a Guide

The practice of using past events to understand and address present-day challenges.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Narratives as Cultural Expressions

The idea that stories, whether oral or written, are more than just facts, but convey the values and beliefs of those who create them.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Genealogy

The core of all Maori history, organizing relationships and understanding of ancestry.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maori Oral Narrative History

Oral narratives that are based on a person's whakapapa (genealogy) and their kinship connections.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Conflicts between Narratives

Conflicts that arise when different oral narratives about history clash due to varying genealogies and kinship perspectives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Riddle

A powerful form of structured storytelling in Maori oral traditions, used to test the listener's understanding and reveal hidden meanings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Parable

A story with a hidden meaning, used to convey important messages or lessons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ultra-human Source

The source of supernatural knowledge and power in Maori oral narratives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Solving the Riddle

The act of understanding and solving a riddle, leading to enlightenment or revelation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Faith

The act of believing in and accepting the truth of a story, especially those involving supernatural elements.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tapu Woman

A woman who is considered sacred or under the influence of the gods, often with specific restrictions and behaviors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tapu

The state of being under the influence of the gods, often associated with sacredness and restrictions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maungapohatu

A sacred mountain in Tuhoe tradition, said to be the dwelling place of ancestral spirits.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mauri Whenua

The vital life force or essence of a person, place, or object, often associated with the land.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond

A symbol representing the hidden mana of the Tuhoe people, often spoken of as a real or metaphorical object.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sharing

The sharing of knowledge and stories, particularly within a family or community.

Signup and view all the flashcards

History as an Extension of Mythology

The practice of using stories to connect past events, individuals, and beliefs; emphasizing the continuity of history and its relationship to mythology.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mauri

A spiritual essence or power associated with a place or lineage, offering protection and guidance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Testing Faith

The act of testing someone's faith and loyalty, often through seemingly insignificant actions or requests.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Te Kuiti

A place where Maori people resolved disputes and sought to understand their customs and traditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mt Maungahaumia

An important mountain in the Maori narrative, holding significance for the preservation of the family's land rights.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Restoration of Autonomy

The prophecy that autonomy and prosperity would be restored to the Maori people, symbolizing cyclical renewal and the return of what was lost.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ancestral Narratives

The narratives about ancestors and their encounters with Te Kooti, reflecting the beliefs and values within the Ringatu community.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Core Narratives

The central stories that establish the relationship between the prophet-leader, his teachings, and a specific group of people.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Te Kooti's Superhuman Powers

The belief that Te Kooti possessed divine powers granted by God, making him a powerful figure in the Ringatu faith.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fan of Narratives

A metaphor describing the spreading out of information and beliefs from a central point, similar to the structure of the Ringatu narratives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Te Kooti's Gift

Te Kooti's act of giving a portion of the diamond to Te Hira Uetuku, symbolizing the protection and guidance he bestowed upon the family.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond and the Lamb

The diamond's connection to the sacrificial Lamb of God in Christian beliefs, representing the sacrifice made for humanity's redemption.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond as a Source of Light

The diamond as a source of power and knowledge, embodying the concept of Te Ao Marama, the world of light and understanding within Maori cosmology.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dialectic between Past and Present

The ongoing interaction between the past and present where past events are reinterpreted and present experiences are understood through historical lenses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oral Narratives

Oral traditions and narratives passed down through generations, preserving historical knowledge and cultural values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dynamic Past

The idea that the past is not a fixed and unchanging concept but rather a dynamic entity that is constantly being reinterpreted and re-shaped.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Importance of Ancestors

The significance of ancestors in Maori culture, their wisdom, experiences, and influence on living generations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Words of the Ancestors

The words, phrases, and teachings passed down from ancestors, gaining new interpretations in different contexts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Voice of the Colonized

The perspective and experiences of the colonized people, offering a contrasting view compared to the accounts of colonizers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Different Interpretations of Events

The understanding that what may seem like a minor event to one party (like the colonizers) may hold significant cultural and spiritual importance to another (like the colonized).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Colonial Bias in History

The realization by Western historians that their historical accounts have often perpetuated colonialist biases and erased indigenous perspectives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Suppression of Maori History

The suppression of Maori history and the silencing of their narratives due to the dominant power structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Family and Whakapapa

The importance of family and kinship in shaping Maori history and identity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oral Narrative as History

The vital role played by oral narratives in transmitting knowledge, preserving history, and perpetuating cultural beliefs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Purpose of Oral Narratives

The distinct purpose of oral narratives, which are not solely focused on politics but also emphasize family narratives and ancestral connections.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maori History and Mana

The way family history is told in Maori culture, emphasizing ancestral connections and the passing down of mana (prestige and authority).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Understanding Oral Narrative Structure

The significance of gathering oral narratives and understanding their unique structures and purposes when engaging in cross-cultural historical research.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Personal Connections to History

The experiences of those who lived with Te Kooti, providing a direct personal connection to the historical events and the oral traditions surrounding him.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oral Narrative and Personal Connection

The telling of a story is impacted by the narrator's perspective and personal connection to the events, even if those events happened before the narrator was born.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Kinship I

The practice of narrating stories that happened before one's birth, as if personally experienced.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oral Histories in Māori society

The act of telling history within a community, focusing on the immediate ancestors of the living family.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evolution of oral traditions

The cycle of how oral narratives change over time, being passed down through generations and adapting.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Focus on recent ancestors

Oral histories often focus on the recent past (2-3 generations), as people can remember those events more clearly.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oral Tradition and Source Recognition

Some narratives are passed into a wider community, but their original source is still acknowledged.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Women as storytellers

How women play a central role in preserving family history and values through their stories.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Orioi

Lullabies in Māori culture that teach about the history and values of the family and clan.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wharengaro (House destroyed)

The fear of losing children, often attributed to a fault or ancestral curse, impacting the family.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Seeking explanations for wharengaro

The practice of searching for explanations for misfortune, often seeking answers in ancestral history and rituals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Eria

A powerful figure in Ringatu history, known for his teachings and role as a leader.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Different histories, different heroes

Differing historical narratives and heroes based on local perspectives and identities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Eria's breaking from Rua

The act of breaking away from an established figure, emphasizing the power of individual agency.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maori history and its connection to ancestors

The importance of stories in connecting the past, present, and future, emphasizing the shared history of a people.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Story of Rua and Pinepine

The story of Rua and Pinepine, a significant event in Tuhoe oral tradition, passed down through generations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maori Oral History

Oral narratives passed down through generations, primarily within Maori communities, which emphasize the interconnectedness of the past, present, and ancestors, serving to establish meaning for events, validate claims to mana (prestige, authority), and perpetuate family and cultural history.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maramatanga Tradition

The belief that ancestral spirits (wairua) act as intermediaries between God and humans, influencing history and providing guidance to the living.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Recording Maori Oral History

The practice of incorporating Maori oral narratives into written history, respecting their cultural integrity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Limitations of Western Historical Methods

The understanding that European historical methods, like linear narratives and chronological order, may not accurately represent all cultures' historical perspectives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Juxtaposing Histories

The practice of juxtaposing different historical perspectives rather than trying to translate or impose a particular viewpoint.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Truth in History

The notion that truth is subjective, and various perspectives exist, shaping our understanding of the past.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maori Demand for History

The demand for written accounts of Maori history from the Maori community itself.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Family History in Maori Oral Narratives

The central organizing principle of recent Maori oral histories, which emphasizes the importance of lineage and ancestral connections.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Notions of Causation and Consequence in Maori History

The concept of causation and consequence in Maori oral history, often influenced by spiritual or cosmological beliefs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Responsibility in Recording Oral History

The inherent responsibility of historians and anthropologists to represent accurately the perspectives and stories of indigenous communities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Colonizer's Perspective

The recognition that the colonizers' historical narratives often fail to acknowledge or understand the indigenous perspectives of the colonized.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Integrity of Oral Histories

The importance of preserving the integrity of Maori oral narratives when transmitting them into written forms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Synchronic and Diachronic Approaches

The use of a synchronic approach, which focuses on a single point in time, in contrast to diachronic approaches that emphasize historical change over time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Reconciling Oral and Written Histories

The challenge of reconciling the diverse perspectives and methods of oral and written histories, acknowledging that each has its own unique value and limitations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

No Story is Not True

The idea that every story holds truth, even if they differ in their perspectives, reflecting the complexities of human experience.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Maori Oral Narratives vs. Pakeha Written Texts

  • Two distinct forms of historical transmission exist: oral (Maori) and written (Pakeha).
  • Both forms are structured, interpretative, and influenced by the present.
  • Maori history is largely oral, passed down through narratives, songs, proverbs, and genealogies (whakapapa).
  • Written records transmit perceptions chosen by the author.
  • Oral histories are subject to change and reinterpretation across generations, maintaining a dynamic past.
  • European written histories have often overshadowed and suppressed Maori perspectives.

Oral History Transmission in Maori Culture

  • Maori oral histories are deeply rooted in their culture, particularly within the marae and meeting houses.
  • The process of oral histories is a constant dialectic between the past and present.
  • The past ("nga ra o mua") is seen as continuous and foundational to the present.
  • Ancestors' wisdom and experience are central to understanding the current situation.
  • Oral traditions include both political and family narratives, tying individuals to their kin.

Impact of Colonization on Maori History

  • Colonization significantly impacted how Maori history was recorded and perceived.
  • Early European written histories often suppressed or misrepresented Maori perspectives.
  • The Treaty of Waitangi exemplifies the differing visions and goals between Maori and Pakeha.
  • Suppression of Maori narratives led to a lack of understanding among subsequent generations.
  • Colonial interpretations often labeled Maori figures as solely "rebellious" (i.e. Te Kooti).

The Role of Oral Narratives and Family History

  • Oral narratives are crucial for maintaining Maori identity and understanding.
  • Family (whanau) and tribal (hapu) groups hold central importance to Maori society and narratives.
  • Genealogies (whakapapa) are the fundamental structure for understanding Maori history.
  • Oral narratives often feature riddles and parables to convey complex meanings through symbolic elements.
  • Oral accounts are usually centered on the family's relationship with Te Kooti as a prophet figure.
  • This approach to history views the past as deeply connected to the present.

Subjectivity in History

  • European-style historical narratives inherently present a subjective interpretation, often influenced by the perspective of the author (and their cultural context).
  • Similar subjectivity exists within Maori oral histories.
  • Shifting focus within narratives reflects the ongoing reinterpretation of the past.
  • Oral histories often feature supernatural, divinely inspired accounts (e.g. Te Kooti's powers).

Importance of Women in Maori History

  • Women play vital roles in transmitting Maori oral histories.
  • Women are often the keepers of family history, values, and traditions.
  • Mothers and grandmothers frequently act as storytellers to younger generations.
  • Women provide motivation and support for men in society.
  • Issues within families (like childlessness) influence how oral accounts are developed.

Challenges of Recording Oral History

  • Recording Maori oral histories needs understanding of their cultural specificity, including notions of kinship, whakapapa, and the perceived intervention of divine forces.
  • Oral accounts often use unique structures like riddles and parables, making direct translation into linear historical accounts challenging.
  • The role of the narrator in telling events before their birth demonstrates how oral history transcends time.
  • Maori histories are often rooted in the family connection to their land.

Maintaining Historical Integrity

  • The integrity of oral narratives must be maintained when written down.
  • A synchronic approach (simultaneous) is usually used for anthropological study of oral cultures, but less adequate for historical analysis.
  • Different cultures perceive history, cause and effect differently.
  • European and Maori accounts of the same events may differ significantly..

Importance of Diverse Perspectives in History

  • Maori oral histories offer important counter-narratives to European historical accounts.
  • Understanding different perspectives is necessary for a complete historical picture.
  • Both written and oral history are influenced by the author's cultural context.
  • Multiple interpretations and narratives are inherent in all forms of history.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser