This Sunday (6th February) is New Zealand National Day, or ‘Waitangi Day’. It commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6th, 1840. Waitangi Day is intended to celebrate the coming together of the indigenous Maori people and the European settlers of New Zealand.
The Poi is used in the traditional dances of the Maori people of New Zealand. Poi is the Maori word for ‘ball on a cord’. The cords are held in each hand and swung in rhythmic circular patterns while dancing. Red, white and black are traditional Maori colours. This project will show you how to make a standard Pom Pom, (and turn it into a Poi Poi if you wish).
The video below shows how traditional Maori dances are performed using the Poi.
Click here for full instructions on how to make a ‘Pom Pom Poi Poi’
I’d love to know how to make a real one! I guess the tute was really to show how to make a pom pom. I’m in Perth – so actually not so far away from you. I’ve lots of NZ friends, hence the post! Thanks for commenting…miya
Hello.
Just found this post via oneprettything. It is cool that you recognize us down here in little new Zealand!! But just for some insight, a pom pom would not work as a true poi, it needs to be heavier and stronger. In the video you have posted, you can hear a thud sound, this is the poi poi bouncing off the performers. Happy to write you instructions to make real poi poi if you like??
Tania