Poi Ball
18121
From: New Zealand | North Island | Hawke's Bay Region | Napier
Curatorial Section: Oceanian
| Native Name | Poi |
| Object Number | 18121 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Maori |
| Provenience | New Zealand | North Island | Hawke's Bay Region | Napier |
| Period | Te Huringa I Period |
| Date Made | 1800 - 1900 CE |
| Section | Oceanian |
| Materials | New Zealand Flax | Wool |
| Description | Poi (ball) made of muka (processed New Zealand flax). The ball is made using ta kupenga (knotless netting), with a papakirango pattern in red, beige, and brown wool. Papakirango is used to ward off harmful spirits.
Poi are used in Māori song and dance performances. The poi would be held in one hand by the cord and swung and hit with the other hand. The poi would be twirled around the body to accompany singing. |
| Outside Diameter | 12 cm |
| Credit Line | Gift of William Pepper, 1891 |
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