Doin' the Haka Photo

Photographer’s Note

The origins of the haka are deeply rooted in the mists of time. It is a history rich in folklore and legend that reflects Maori heritage. NZ has grown up immersed in haka since first encounters between Maori and early European explorers, missionaries and settlers.
While recent tradition suggests tha haka was the domain of men exclusively, legend and history reflects a different story. Indeed, the story of the most famous, KA MATE!, proves to be about the power of female sexuality:

Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!
Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!
Tenei te tangata puhuru huru
Nana nei i tiki mai

Whakawhiti te ra
A upa ... ne! ka upa ... ne!
A upane kaupane whiti te ra!
Hi !!!

I die! I die! I live! I live!
I die! I die! I live! I live!
This is the hairy man
Who fetched the Sun
And caused it to shine again
One upward step! Another upward step!
An upward step, another.. the Sun shines!!

So, if you ever have the chance to enjoy a live performance of Maori doing the haka - take it! It is one of the most impressiv things of human culture and performing I have ever seen. Men, tall as a tree, wide as a rock shouting and screaming, turning eyes 'in and out' -- wow this makes your blood freeze; I can tell you.
And if you have not the chance; watch your sports program on TV. Maybe you come across rugby and a game of the All Blacks, the famous NZ rugby team. They do the Haka before every game - great show!

This shot was taken during a 'Hangi'; the traditional feast of Maori.
I had to take this shot with ISO 400, because I needed to get a good shutter speed (due to the fast movement of the actors).
Nevertheless I like this shot! Imo you can feel the strong expression by looking into his eyes.

No fear - just pure adrenalin!

If you want to learn more about the Haka, visit:

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/about-nz/culture/haka-feature/haka.cfm

_____
Technical:
Cropped some part to the right but not the lady in the background. I tried to rmove some red-eyes; don't know, if the result is ok...?
Some adjustment in contrast and color, after resizing a frame - done

Hope, you enjoy it :)

Homerhomer, P-S-I-G, Marche has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

nopoint (878) 2005-09-21 13:29

Great capture and a very interesting Maori background! Thank you...Kiet

P-S-I-G (24482) 2005-09-21 14:06

Hello Gunnar,
In France we know the Haka because we love rugby, and playing the NZ team.
Very good shot.
Best regards.
Fabrice

misk (0) 2005-11-03 5:29

hi gunnar
nice photo..but is this tatto

rewshearer (682) 2006-07-30 21:45

Hi Gunnar
Great capture of a real "haka face" - he's definitely got the look!
That particular haka (ka mate is pronounced kuh muh-tay) has a somewhat dark history to it, unfortunately, during a period of vicious inter-tribal conflict. Despite the pride New Zealanders take in the haka, our colonial history is not something to boast about.
Excellent capture. Thanks for sharing.
Rew