Women

• What have Maori women suffered from in New Zealand?

  Oppression
• What responsibilities have Maori women been given within their tribes?

  They are able to own land and are considered tapu
• What does being considered tapu imply for Maori women in their community?

  It creates barriers regarding what women can or cannot do
• What important roles do Maori women play in sacred ceremonies?

  They participate in welcome ceremonies and ceremonies removing tapu
• What was considered tapu during childbirth?

  Childbirth itself
• What materials were used in the context of Maori traditions?

  Flax fibre or thin makahakaha stems smeared with oil
• What does the term 'whenuai' relate to in Maori culture?

  It relates to the concepts of mana and tapu
• What do mana and tapu provide to individuals in Maori culture?

  They receive energy, strength, and aid
• What is a powhiri in Maori culture?


  A welcome ceremony
• How was male dominance reflected in the seating arrangement during ceremonies?

  Women were seated on the second row to protect them
• Why were Maori women considered of supreme importance?

  Because of their roles as child-bearers
• How were Maori women recorded in terms of leadership?

  As leaders in their own right
• What does the involvement of Maori women in fighting alongside men suggest?

  Women were looked up to and encouraged to protect their children
• What does the strength of Maori women imply about gender roles in their society?

  It suggests there was no superior gender at that time