The Ka Mate Haka
As stated previously, there are a variety of different types of haka. Collectively, they all cover a wide range of purposes and meanings. The most popular haka by far in New Zealand and elsewhere is the Ka Mate. This is thanks to the international New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks. They perform the Ka Mate haka in the same way that the ancient Maori performed it when they were staring their enemy in the eyes, ready to go into battle. The goal for both these groups when performing this is most obviously intimidation. These men have made it a tradition to perform this exceptionally intense dance before any international contest, and this tradition has very much become a permanent fixture for the All Blacks. They perform this dance with raw emotion and unrivaled passion that certainly demonstrates the power this Maori dance possesses. |
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