TravelingWebGuy

Don't take my eyes away!!

That was the most important element of the night I had to remember during my Cultural Experience with some local Maori’s in Maketu. It’s an important tradition and ceremonial welcoming when a new tribe comes to a different village to visit. What needs to first happen is the oldest person in the group, tribe, usually the chief walks into the hut followed by his tribe. The chief is met by a fierce warrior who challenges him, but not a challenge to a fight. It’s more of a respect thing. The chief must remain still, in place, and keep constant eye contact with the warrior during the initial greeting. If the chief is to take his eyes away it is considered a big insult and at that time, the warrior can chose to either wound or kill the chief for this insolence. I was told that sometimes the performers thwack the new commer on the head for not respecting their ways… And by the looks of the spear he was holding, there was no way I was breaking eye contact!

So after we walk in, this warrior charges at me, weapon in hand and swinging! He gets about two feet away from me, stops and swings the spear within inches from my skull. (picture one of those Kung-Fu movies where the masters swing is so hard and fast it blows out candles) I felt the wind from the motion go across my head and what little hair I normally have. (continue reading…)