Rest in Peace
by Leslie Struxness
Title
Rest in Peace
Artist
Leslie Struxness
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
The Maori ,the indigenous people of New Zealand ,are thought to have come to New Zealand in waves of immigration from Tahiti in the13-14th century. Their social organization ,which is supported by archeological discoveries, recognized a common ancestry, tribes, marriage, landholding and an allegiance to a chief. Life was in harmony with the sea, earth, and forest. There were many traditions, arts, carving, tattoos, food, songs, burials.
We happened upon this Maori cemetery while cycling the South Island and learned of their funeral and burial practices.. Traditionally the deceased body was prepared and a ceremony carried out to free the spirit from the body in the courtyard (marae) of the meeting house of the tribe .On the third day the body was buried ,sometimes hidden in shallow graves or caves, more recently in cemeteries. The body returns to Mother Earth and the soul/spirit returns to the ancient homeland but always remains with the tribe/village.
Historically with European exploration, colonization, and introduction of muskets, disease, western agricultural methods, and missionaries the Maori culture and social structure began to disintegrate.
Today there is a renewed focus on the Maori culture and these traditional values and practices
Uploaded
July 18th, 2021
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