SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - The plaza of the National Museum of Korea buzzed with energy on May 26 as the museum, in collaboration with the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul, presented a vibrant "Maori Kapa Haka" performance.
The event, held at 3 p.m., offered a dynamic glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand's indigenous Maori people.
Kapa Haka, a comprehensive performing art form that intertwines song, instrumental music and dance, serves as a powerful expression of Maori identity.
The 30-minute presentation was delivered by Hiwa, a group dedicated to sharing Maori culture with global audiences. The performance included various traditional forms: "waiata-a-ringa," songs accompanied by intricate hand movements; "poi," a mesmerizing group dance featuring performers twirling tethered balls; and the "haka," the renowned Maori ceremonial war dance, famously adopted by New Zealand's national rugby team.
Dawn Bennet, New Zealand's Ambassador to South Korea, was among the more than 2,000 spectators who gathered to witness the cultural spectacle. In conjunction with the performance, the museum offered free admission on the day to its special exhibition, "Mana Moana - Art of the Sacred Ocean, Oceania."
It features a diverse collection of artifacts, including canoes, sculptures, masks, musical instruments, stone figures, ornaments and textiles, all of which aim to vividly portray the lives and philosophies of the peoples of Oceania.
In Polynesian languages, "mana" denotes the sacred power inherent in all beings, while "moana" refers to the vast ocean.
For the communities that consider the sacred ocean as their home and a vital space for connection, "mana" is understood as the bedrock of their reverence for life, nature and their ancestors, and the fundamental force that animates the world.
The special exhibition will continue through Sept. 14.
reporter
Cho Bo-hee
jobo@ajupress.com
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