poi rakau

Poi Rakau is one of a multitude of traditional games that use räkau artefacts. The räkau used in the pictorial demonstrations are korari, the seed fronds, of the harakeke. HISTORY Such games as ‘Poi Räkau’ were in essence warrior-training games. They kept reflexes sharp and promoted quick thinking – important attributes in handto-hand combat. All manner of sticks and branches were used in räkau games, some even intricately carved. THE RULES One person stands in the middle (putahi) of a circle that is formed with 6 or more players. Everyone stands about 3-5 paces from the person in the putahi (see photo below). There is usually trepidation by everyone to begin with, it is not every game that you get sticks thrown at you! The ‘Putahi’ starts the game by throwing the korari upright to someone in the circle. That person catches the korari with one hand, keeps it upright, and then quickly hand passes it (not throws it), using either the left (maui) or right (matau) hand, to a person immediately to their left or right. The person who receives it then throws it, upright, back to the person in the middle. A fast-paced co-operative game is played to a rhythmical beat or an appropriate waiata. The ‘Putahi’ throws randomly and speedily, turning quickly to catch and then throw the korari. Depending on their skill levels, the catchers can add difficulty by keeping their hands behind their backs until the korari is thrown to them. When the Putahi feels comfortable using one korari, they can try using two, then three korari (see picture above) to quicken the game up and keep everyone literally on their toes. An extremely skilful game requires fast reflexes and quick thinking. Keeping three korari in motion is a difficult motor skill and needs total concentration.

This is my poi rakau maori game that we have done for te reo.I hop you like it From Tillam