Intro (incl aspects of guardianship and ownership)
Land, soil, and rocks hold profound cultural, spiritual, and practical significance to the Māori people of New Zealand. These elements are deeply intertwined with Māori identity, traditional knowledge, and connection to the natural world. Here’s a summary of their meanings:
- Land (Whenua):
- Meaning: Land, or whenua, is regarded as a taonga (treasure) and the foundation of Māori identity. It represents not only physical space but also spiritual and ancestral connections.
- Significance: Land is viewed as a source of sustenance, belonging, and cultural heritage for Māori communities. It embodies the spiritual presence of ancestors and provides a sense of continuity and belonging for future generations.
- Example: The Whanganui River in New Zealand has been legally recognized as a person (Te Awa Tupua) with its own rights and identity, reflecting the spiritual connection that Māori have with the land and waterways.
- Soil (Oneone):
- Meaning: Soil, or oneone, is seen as the lifeblood of the land, providing nutrients for plants, sustenance for living beings, and a medium for growth and renewal.
- Significance: Soil is revered for its fertility and productivity, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the cycle of life and death.
- Example: Traditional Māori cultivation practices, such as kumara (sweet potato) gardens, demonstrate the intimate relationship between Māori communities and the soil. These gardens are cultivated using sustainable methods that respect the land and its resources.
- Rocks (Kōhatu):
- Meaning: Rocks, or kōhatu, are considered tangible links to the past, embodying the stories, memories, and experiences of ancestors and the natural world.
- Significance: Rocks hold cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for Māori communities, serving as markers of territorial boundaries, ancestral landmarks, and sacred sites.
- Example: The Waitomo Caves in New Zealand are revered by Māori as a sacred site (Te Ana o Te Atua), where the subterranean landscape of limestone caves and rock formations is imbued with spiritual and cultural significance.
Overall, land, soil, and rocks are integral components of Māori worldview and identity, embodying ancestral connections, cultural heritage, and spiritual values. They serve as repositories of traditional knowledge and wisdom, guiding Māori relationships with the natural world and fostering a sense of stewardship and respect for the environment.
Māori people do personify mountains and landscapes, ascribing them with spiritual and ancestral significance. In Māori cosmology, natural features such as mountains, rivers, and forests are often personified as ancestors or deities, embodying spiritual forces and connections to the natural world. Here’s how Māori personification of mountains and landscapes manifests:
- Mountains (Maunga): Māori regard mountains, or maunga, as living entities with their own mauri (life force) and mana (spiritual power). Mountains are often personified as ancestors or revered beings, embodying strength, wisdom, and protection. Each mountain has its own unique identity and significance within Māori culture.
- Example: Taranaki (Mount Taranaki) in the North Island of New Zealand is personified as a male ancestor known as Taranaki. According to Māori legend, Taranaki once resided alongside other mountains in the central North Island but was banished after a dispute. Taranaki’s distinctive volcanic cone and surrounding landscape are considered sacred to local Māori tribes, who maintain spiritual connections and ancestral ties to the mountain.
- Landscapes and Natural Features: In addition to mountains, Māori also personify other landscapes and natural features, such as rivers, forests, and coastlines. These features are often imbued with ancestral connections and spiritual significance, reflecting Māori beliefs about the interconnectedness of all living things and the sanctity of the natural world.
- Example: The Whanganui River, Te Awa Tupua, is personified as a living entity with its own rights and identity. According to Māori tradition, the river is a descendent of the god Tāwhirimātea and holds spiritual significance for local iwi (tribes), who view it as a sacred ancestor and source of sustenance and identity.
Stories of the land in Maori culture
Stories of land and stones in European cultures