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’
