Poi Awe
(Percussive Device)
- A poi awe was named that because of the existence of the dog-hair awe (tassels) added on as decoration. Poi are used as visual and rhythmic support to Māori cultural songs and dance performances. Performers might use a single poi or a pair, which could either be short or long cordage lengths depending on the dance and song. Traditionally, dried raupō also known as bullrush leaves were used as the ball covering, with braided muka for the cords. Today, synthetic materials are used.
- A poi is a light, circular ball attached to a cord that is twirled with the twist of the wrists in combinations of movements, around and against the hands and body. This example is a very rare type woven in muka (flax fibre) with a technique called knotless netting.
Creator Gender: Unknown
Weaver: Unknown
Date Created: 1800
Materials:
Muka (flax fibre)
Tahuna
Dog hair
Kiekie, raupō (bulrush)
Pīngao (golden sand sedge)
Wool
Techniques:
Warp twining
Dimensions:
102mm (width)
82mm (height)
133.7g (weight)
Moari name: Poi Awe
Year:
When was it used? After a couple weeks of reason I couldn’t find what year it was used by, but I would like to learn about that soon. If you know anything about the poi awe please leave a comment and let me know.
When was it made? 19th century (There’s no more detailed on this I could find)
Tribal Affiliation:
Poi E
(Lyrics)
- Song by Pātea Māori Club
The hit ball
Te poi patua
My hit ball
Taku poi patua
Be like hit-and-run
Kia rite pa-para patua
My ball
Taku poi e
My counter ball is flying
E rere ra e taku poi porotiti
Slope, disturbing e
Tītahataha ra, whakararuraru e
Roll on, roll on
Porotakataka rā, poro hurihuri mai
It’s the same as tiwaiwaka e
Rite tonu ki te tiwaiwaka e
When he defends himself, he will fight
Ka parepare ra, pīoioi a
Move it, move it
Whakahekeheke, e kia korikori e
Climb up and up
Piki whakarunga ra, ma muinga mai a
My counter ball, my ball!
Taku poi porotiti, taku poi e!
Ball, come closer
Poi e, whakatata mai
Ball, no different
Poi e, kaua he rerekē
Baby, come close to me
Poi e, kia piri mai ki au
Come on, hug me
Poi e, e awhi mai ra
Come on, come on
Poi e, tāpekatia mai
Dance, our love
Poi e, ō tāua aroha
Well, weld it up
Poi e, paiheretia ra
Ball, my ball
Poi, taku poi e
My ball went sideways
Rere atu taku poi, ti taha taha ra
Up and down, my ball
Whakarunga whakararo, taku poi e
My counter ball is flying
E rere ra e taku poi porotiti
Slope, disturbing
e Tītahataha ra, whakararuraru e
Roll on, roll on
Porotakataka rā, poro hurihuri mai
It’s the same as tiwaiwaka e
Rite tonu ki te tiwaiwaka e
When he defends himself, he will fight
Ka parepare ra, pīoioi a
Move it, move it
Whakahekeheke, e kia korikori e
Climb up and up
Piki whakarunga ra, ma muinga mai a
My counter ball, my ball!
Taku poi porotiti, taku poi e!
Ball, come closer
Poi e, whakatata mai
Ball, no different
Poi e, kaua he rerekē
Baby, come close to me
Poi e, kia piri mai ki au
Come on, hug me
Poi e, e awhi mai ra
Come on, come on
Poi e, tāpekatia mai
Dance, our love
Poi e, ō tāua aroha
Well, weld it up
Poi e, paiheretia ra
Ball, my ball
Poi, taku poi e
Ball, come closer
Poi e, whakatata mai
Ball, no different
Poi e, kaua he rerekē
Baby, come close to me
Poi e, kia piri mai ki au
Come on, hug me
Poi e, e awhi mai ra
Come on, come on
Poi e, tāpekatia mai
Dance, our love
Poi e, ō tāua aroha
Well, weld it up
Poi e, paiheretia ra
Ball, my ball
Poi, taku poi e
Ball, my ball
Poi, taku poi e
Ball, my ball
Poi, taku poi e
My ball went sideways
Rere atu taku poi, ti taha taha ra
Up and down, my ball
Whakarunga whakararo, taku poi e
