The Maori men are originally Polynesians, who settled in New Zealand around the time between the 11th and 13th centuries, are known for their distinctive warrior’s culture.
Still existing today, the Maori people from the past were divided into fierce tribal groups, defined by their unique weaponry and fighting style. The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. They are a subgroup of Polynesians, who were the decedents of Austronesians (most of whom are Indonesians).
They are believed to have settled into in New Zealand circa 1280 AD during the rise of the Polynesian empire the Tu’i Tonga. Before this time, there is no archaeological evidence to suggest that New Zealand had a human population; implying that New Zealand was one of the last major landmasses on Earth to do so.
In the course of a few centuries, a growing population led to competition over resources and an increase in warfare. War was common between tribes over land conflicts or to gain or restore mana (spiritual prestige). The Māori believed that mana could only be gained from ancestors or through combat.
They generally carried fighting out by units called hapu. The Māori also developed fortified villages known as pā. The Maori people believed that combat was sacred to their ancestors, and they fought to gain mana spiritual prestige. The desire to gain the mana of a foe defeated in a battle fueled cannibalism.
Unlike most native cultures, Maori culture is still relatively intact today. The guerilla warfare of the Maori tribes was a tradition of dedication to the battle and something common for the New Zealand tribes. As the war season started, they dispatched warriors in units known as hapus.
Combined with their unique tattoos, the Haka dance was a warning to the enemy which sends a coherent message and inspired fear. The tradition of the Haka dance was important for the Maori since if the performance was not perfect, the elders of the village thought of it as a bad omen for the upcoming war.
When dispatched to get to the battlefield, was traditionally at a certain place and hour, the Maori warriors went there either on foot or using canoes. The Maori canoes were one of the biggest of their time, measuring 70 feet, and could carry at least 70 men.
The largest battle ever fought in New Zealand was the Battle of Hingakaka in the late 18 century, between the two Maori armies of the southern alliance and those of the Tainui alliance. Up to 10,000 men under the leadership of chief Pikauterangi from Ngāti Toa fought to restore their honor near lake Ngarato.
