Haka is the Māori word for dance, but it is far more than just a dance. Haka is a ceremonial performance with a group, there are multiple different forms of haka with each one having a unique meaning behind them. I will be focusing on the war dance Haka. Men and women alike would perform. They would gather in sacred locations, for example, on the beach or by a fishing hole. As they performed this dance, they would sing and chant, stomp their feet on the ground, make their tongue and eyes protrude, all while rhythmically striking their body.
The goal of this dance was intimidation, which is why they would protrude their tongue and eyes. It lent a fierce image to any who saw this, but this was not just to intimidate their enemies, but also to unify the group they were in. The Haka was to build strength between one another, to connect with their deities, and nature. Bonds were forged and strengthened with Haka; it carried a message to everyone who saw it.
“We are strong. We are fierce. Together we stand and know that together we will fight any who threaten us.”