Ka mihi tēnei ki ngā pūmanawa tuatahi o te toi poi, arā ko te iwi Māori o Aotearoa.
We acknowledge the indigenous origins of poi, the tīpuna creators and pioneers of toi Māori and all efforts to honour and retain the ways of those who lit the trail ahead of us.
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Poi history
The kupu (word) poi means both sphere (n), and to toss (v) and the kupu is now synonymous worldwide with poi performance.
The art of poi has long been practiced by Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa, New Zealand and there is research indicating the use of poi in our early Polynesian neighbours’ communities.
Traditional use was likely to develop coordination, strength and dexterity, but I’m sure the captivating playfulness included games, and that led the transition to the stage.
Now the poi is a component of most kapahaka competition sets and a favourite for many performers and observers alike.
Poi performance has also increased in pop and sub cultures worldwide, and it is perhaps regrettable that the cultural aspects haven’t travelled with it.