Kapa Haka | NPR

“We perform haka as an expression of pride,” says Karl Johnstone. Kapa haka, a traditional Māori posture dance, “was about not only intimidating the opponents, but it was about how do we actually prevent degenerating into a battle?” he says. “Haka is all about the expression of your inner energy. The shaking of the hands,” says Johnstone, “that’s an expression of our life force … it’s showing that there’s an energy within you.”

Watch New Zealand’s Tuku Iho Living Legacy perform kapa haka at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

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[LesLes]

Who else came here after watching the NZ parliament Haka protest? Could not get enough

[christophermaldonado]

The art of fighting, without fighting! Love it!

[josephj]

Best preserved culture in the entire world. Can't explain why but have to say seeing this makes me feel pride although I'm neither New Zealander or Maori !!

[tasnimk]

i am not from this culture but to anyone who is please keep your culture alive and do not let it get forgotten. your culture is so beautiful and it would be a shame to see your culture get lost in the world just like many others did..

[terandasamson]

I'm so amazed with this culture the people are so beautiful

[DearProfessorRF]

What a beautiful ceremony. And the choral harmonization is just fantastic.

[millionDZbabygurl]

This concept is very new to me. Don’t know why or if anyone else felt this way, but the passion around it just brings tears to my eyes.

[bigpapajohn]

proud to be polynesian with a mum from polynesia and dad from samoa. big brother will be crowned chief (in samoa) very very soon cannot wait. i love how this represents the maori. i was born and raised in australia like my little brother. my older sister in new zealand with my big brother. my sister finishing off her nursing years, aunts getting married, new chief where also leading to my big brother moving to samoa. it’s kind of scary but so so fun. i’m happy to see our culture alive!

[GracieTheFashionista]

every single time i see a Haka performed it moves me to tears. the Maori ability to preserve their culture is so overwhelmingly beautiful.

[nzfreeski]

As a kiwi living in the US, this always lifts me and reminds me of home.

[AshesAshes_BlushBlush]

I dont know how anyone could be made such amazing cultures

She absolutely killed it.
👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[Anon-ekck]

The tattoos on the chin is so dope!! Amazing culture

[auntykeli]

ALOHA and Kia Ora to our cuz'ns from another island nation! Every time I hear the Haka, my soul jumps within me and I want to join in!! This is one of the most beautiful sounding Hakas I have ever had the pleasure to watch! You're amazing performers!!!

[dn-qvbr]

Does anybody know the name of the lady who was mostly singing? I need to know, she killed it.

[izabelmariabroad]

It's a truly and deeply awesome thing for a People to know who they are, for the men and women to stand together, belonging to each other, bound by tradition and by a way of life, having their very own voices and culture.

[bcov]

I Always get chills and teary eyed when hearing the Haka. Does anyone else?

[a.walters]

I am so moved by that woman and her ethereal voice, this culture is so strong and respected worldwide, they’re doing something right. They have the right knowledge and way of life, and this is why the culture is preserved and even stronger today.

[tobinbh]

thank you for showing our beautiful culture to the world...so proud to see our culture appreciated by so many ...Kia Ora ..Te Hau Maori ora!!

[mjglax]

I accidentally bumped into knowing HAKA 5 years ago through a random YT video. I was so moved, connected and had tears watching this ceremony performed. I have no idea about this tribe, but a request to the keep this culture alive no matter what!!!

[Saffron-sugar]

This version of haka is far more operatic and balletic than any I’ve ever seen. Not sure if it’s my favorite, but it’s amazing.