Historically, poi were made from natural materials like harakeke
harakekeNew Zealand flaxMāori, and raupō. Learn about older poi in our collections, and explore the techniques and stories that are intertwined with this practice in te ao Māori
te ao Māorithe Māori worldMāori.
In the past, poi were used to make the wrists more flexible for hand-to-hand combat, and, among some iwi
iwitribesMāori, were called upon by tohunga
tohungaexpertsMāori during karakia
karakiaprayersMāori to help connect the spiritual and physical worlds. The poi tradition continues today, preserved by women in kapa haka
kapa hakaMāori cultural performing artsMāori groups.
Poi kupenga – net weaving poi
This poi has been woven using tā kupenga tā kupengalooped netting techniqueMāori. Long strands of muka
mukaNew Zealand flax fibreMāori have been prepared using miromiro miromirorolling techniqueMāori to form long lengths of cord. The prepared cord has then been threaded onto a ngira ngirabone needleMāori and a structured latticework of netting has then been woven by hand from top to bottom to form the ball.
Caption
Poi (kinetic percussion instrument), weaver unknown, muka, dye, raupō down, 1800–1910, New Zealand. Te Papa (ME002846)
Poi raupō – bullrush poi
A pair of round-shaped poi made of prepared raupō raupōbulrushMāori leaf wrapped longitudinally around a core of paper and tied with cotton thread at the neck.
Caption
Poi (kinetic percussion instrument), maker unknown, raupō (bulrush), muka (New Zealand flax fibre), paper, plastic, paint. 1850–1950. Te Papa (ME011443/1)
Poi tāniko – woven poi
These poi have been made using the tāniko tānikofine embroidery or weaving in a geometric patternMāori technique seen on the ornamental borders of prestigious cloaks. The word ‘Mihi Mihigreeting, tributeMāori’ has been woven on the poi in an elaborate pattern and could refer to the owner, a significant tupuna
tupunaancestorMāori, or even a greeting during a performance.
Caption
Poi taniko (percussive device), weaver unknown; 1800-1900; New Zealand. Acquisition history unknown. Te Papa (ME003940)
Poi awe – ceremonial poi
Not all Māori poi (balls on cords) are used in cultural performances. This is an old and extremely rare ceremonial poi. It is intricately woven from a single strand of flax fibre, with dog-hair decoration. The ‘papakirango’ diamond pattern signifies spiritual protection.