The art of poi has been developed and performed by Maori women for centuries. Today it continues to be a key component of the Maori performing arts: it is taught and practised on marae, and displays of poi are among the most popular entertainments for tourists. In this, the first book ever to be published on the subject, Rotorua poi expert Ngamoni Huata looks at the origins of poi in Maori culture and its spiritual importance, describes some early accounts of poi performances, explains how poi are made, the materials used, the types of poi (short, long, etc) and how to perform the actions. Some song tests which are used to accompany poi performances are also given, both in Maori and English. Numerous photographs and line drawings complement the text.
This comprehensive book is both a source of cultural information and a practical handbook for people who want to learn how to perform one of Polynesia's most graceful art forms.
