Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Open every day 10am-6pm
(except Christmas Day)
Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Ko te poi tētahi o ngā toi whakaari a te Māori, ka mutu, he taonga iti te poi e whai here ana.
I a tātou ka whai whakaaro mō te poi, ka toko ake te whakaaro mō ngā pēke kirihou, mō ngā papanga poi rānei e kitea ana i te mahi kapa haka. Hāunga tēnei, he tini āna whakamahinga me ngā rauemi waihanga.
Tērā te wā he wāhanga te poi nō ngā mahi o ia rā, ā, ka horapa whānui puta noa i ngā mahi o te puoro, o te hauora, o te whawhai, o te wairua, o te pakiwaitara, me te whakangahau.
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Poi is the name given to a Māori performance artform, and a taonga made from a small ball attached to a cord or string.
When most people think of poi, they think of the plastic bag or fabric poi that are commonly seen in kapa haka performance, but their function and the materials they are made from is diverse.
Poi were once an integrated part of everyday life with their use spanning the realms of music, health, combat, spirituality, storytelling, and entertainment.
Historically, poi were made from natural materials like harakeke (New Zealand flax), and raupō (bullrush). Learn about older poi in our collections, and explore the techniques and stories that are intertwined with this practice in te ao Māori.
Modern poi are made from natural materials like harakeke (New Zealand flax) and raupō (bullrush), but can also include artificial and constructed materials such as plastic, nylon, and wool.
Poi are not just used for waiata and entertainment. They can also be symbols of protest and unity.
For Isaac Te Awa, poi is not only an accessory for dazzling performances, it is also a traditional Māori instrument used for practical and cultural reasons in itself.
Watch some of our Taikura Kapa Haka events over the years, including many poi performances.
Poi group performing, by Glenn Jowitt; photographer; about 1990; New Zealand
Poi take a fair beating in kapa haka (Māori performing arts). But you won't find the rare and delicate poi awe (ornamental poi) swinging in time to music. Elaborate weaving and tassles of kurī (dog) hair make these poi particularly precious. Watch more in this episode of Tales of Te Papa.
