Whakapapa

Definition

Whakapapa is a Māori term that refers to genealogy, lineage, and the interconnectedness of people, places, and events. It serves as a foundational concept in Māori culture, linking individuals to their ancestors, iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), and the land, while also influencing art, mythology, social structures, and cultural practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Whakapapa is not just about direct ancestry; it also connects people to their environment and history, reinforcing their identity within the Māori worldview.
2. The concept of whakapapa plays a critical role in Māori art and crafts, where ancestral stories and connections are expressed through various mediums.
3. In mythology, whakapapa illustrates the relationships between gods, the creation of the world, and the narratives that shape Māori beliefs and values.
4. The impacts of colonization disrupted traditional systems of whakapapa, causing challenges for Māori in maintaining their connections to land and identity.
5. Whakapapa is integral to the modern Māori quest for self-determination and tino rangatiratanga, as it affirms their cultural heritage and rights as indigenous people.

Review Questions

• How does whakapapa influence Māori art and crafts?
  • Whakapapa influences Māori art and crafts by embedding ancestral stories and connections into the artistic expressions. Artists draw from their genealogical ties to represent their heritage through carvings, weaving, and other crafts. This practice not only honors ancestors but also helps to educate future generations about their lineage and cultural identity.
• In what ways did colonization impact the traditional understanding of whakapapa within Māori society?
  • Colonization disrupted traditional understandings of whakapapa by challenging the Māori social structure and displacing communities from their ancestral lands. The imposition of foreign governance systems undermined kinship ties and disrupted the transmission of genealogical knowledge. This created challenges for Māori in maintaining their cultural identity and connections to their history as well as complicating their relationships with one another.
• Evaluate how whakapapa supports the modern Māori movement for self-determination and tino rangatiratanga.
  • Whakapapa serves as a foundation for the modern Māori movement for self-determination and tino rangatiratanga by reinforcing the significance of ancestral connections in asserting rights to land, resources, and governance. This genealogy-based identity empowers Māori to claim their place in contemporary society while honoring their heritage. By invoking whakapapa in their activism, Māori can articulate a clear connection to their past, thus legitimizing their demands for autonomy and recognition as indigenous peoples.

Related terms

Iwi: Iwi are large Māori tribal groups that represent distinct communities with shared ancestry and a common identity.

Hapū: Hapū are smaller sub-groups within iwi, often comprising several extended families who share a closer kinship bond.

Marae: A marae is a communal or sacred place that serves as the focal point for Māori social gatherings, ceremonies, and cultural activities.