Story: Traditional Māori songs – waiata tawhito

Haka peruperu, 1934

Haka peruperu, 1934

These men of Ngāti Tūwharetoa are performing a haka peruperu (war dance with weapons) on Waitangi Day 1934. The haka peruperu was traditionally performed immediately before a battle. Its purpose was to inspire warriors to feats of strength and bravery, and to terrify their opponents. 

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, New Zealand Railways Collection (PAColl-5167)
Reference: 1/2-023706-G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Rawinia Higgins and Arini Loader, 'Traditional Māori songs – waiata tawhito - Haka', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/44229/haka-peruperu-1934 (accessed 23 April 2024)

Story by Rawinia Higgins and Arini Loader, published 22 Oct 2014