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Maori doll dressed in a real feather cloak and grass skirt with pois.
Wahine is the Maori word for woman or wife.
The Maori dressed in different designs according to tribe and their rank within the tribe. Dressing was taken very seriously and was considered an art form.
For many centuries, the poi has been an exciting and dynamic feature of Maori performing arts. As an extension of the performer, the poi conveys a myriad of poetic meanings through the interaction of movement, gesture, and emotion.
Poi also feature in important ceremonial occasions for iwi (tribal groups), such as the opening of wharenui (meeting houses) and the launching of waka (canoes). Certain poi traditions also herald the rising of the star constellation, Matariki, for the Maori New Year.
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