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The Ancient History of the Maori, his Mythology and Traditions

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Ancient History of the Maori, his Mythology and Traditions
Authors and Contributors      By (author) John White
SeriesCambridge Library Collection - Anthropology
Series part Volume No. Volume 1
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:374
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 140
ISBN/Barcode 9781108039598
ClassificationsDewey:993.01
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 1 Tables, black and white; 4 Plates, black and white

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 3 November 2011
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

First published between 1887 and 1890, this six-volume work, containing Maori texts with English translations and commentary, and engraved illustrations, was one of the first printed records of the oral traditions of the Maori. The project was commissioned by the New Zealand government in 1879 when it was observed that, due to the introduction of European culture and education, indigenous traditions were in danger of dying out. The material was collected by John White (1826-91), an ethnographer, public servant and writer who had arrived in New Zealand as a boy and first began documenting Maori poetry in the 1840s. Volume 1, published in 1887, includes narratives about the Horouta canoe, the first Maori gods and the creation of humans. The preface explains that although by this time many Maori had become Christians, certain passages in the myths were still deemed too sacred (tapu) to be revealed to outsiders.