Ka Mate
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- This article is about Ka Mate in general, See Haka of the All Blacks for more rugby information.
"Ka Mate" is a Māori haka attributed to Te Rauparaha, war leader of the Ngāti Toa tribe. The haka is an action chant, often described as a "war dance", but more a chant with hand gestures and foot stamping, originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess and generally verbally abusing the opposition. These days it is always ceremonial. The "Ka Mate" haka is about the cunning ruse a Māori chief used to outwit his enemies, and may be interpreted as 'as a celebration of the triumph of life over death' (Pōmare 2006).
"Ka Mate" has traditionally been performed by the All Blacks, New Zealand's international rugby union team, immediately prior to test matches. Since 2005 the All Blacks have occasionally performed a different haka, "Kapa o Pango". Due to its use by the All Blacks, "Ka Mate" is the most widely known haka in New Zealand and elsewhere.
| In Maori | English translation |
|---|---|
| Ka mate, ka mate! Ka ora! ka ora!
Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru Nāna nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā A upa ... ne! ka upa ... ne! A upane kaupane whiti te ra! |
’Tis death! ‘tis death! (or: I may die) ’Tis life! ‘tis life! (or: I may live)
’Tis death! ‘tis death! ’Tis life! ‘tis life! This the hairy man that stands here... …who brought the sun and caused it to shine A step upward, another step upward! An step upward, another... the Sun shines! |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- M. Pōmare, 'Ngāti Toarangatira', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 9-Jun-2006, www.teara.govt.nz
[edit] External links
- http://www.haka.co.nz/haka.php - The story behind "Ka Mate"; includes a recording
- http://history-nz.org/rauparaha.html - Te Rauparaha and "Ka Mate"
