Week 3 - Kaupapa Maori and Matauranga Maori

Matauranga Maori is a term used to refer to a body of knowledge, but does not give any influence on how to use this knowledge. It is usually traditional information, brought to New Zealand from the Pacific Islands, and untouched by western European culture. However, due to Pakeha settlement, traditional Maori knowledge has been affected by their views.

Kaupapa Maori is closely connected to Tikanga Maori. Tikanga is the uphold of Maori values and customs (often through art forms such as painting, sculpture, etc.), whereas Kaupapa Maori is a tool used to educate people about traditional Maori knowledge. This is where Matauranga and Kaupapa overlap. Matauranga is ancestral knowledge, and Kaupapa is modernised by western techniques to shed light over traditional Maori practises.

In a video ‘The evolution of Maori art over 20 years’ it is explained how enlightenment to Maori culture is so important through art forms. This is Tikanga Maori. Many Maori based artists are using their skills to practise Tikanga in a way to make viewers aware of Matauranga Maori. Robyn Kahukiwa is a Maori artist who portrays her culture through painting. Below is ‘Hinetitama’ by Kahukiwa in 1980. It shows the first true human fragmented whilst changing from an earth-dweller, to Hine-nui-te-po the Goddess of Death. It also shows Tane (her father and husband) who comes from traditional Maori legends. This is a prime example of the use of Kaupapa Maori to bring light to Matauranga Maori.

Robyn Kahukiwa, Hinetitama, 1980, Oil Painting, Collection of Te Manawa Art Society Inc., New Zealand History, https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/hinetitama-robyn-kahukiwa

Works Cited:

Carla. "The Difference Between Kaupapa Maori and Matauranga Maori." Wordpress, 30 July 2017, https://myvisualweb.wordpress.com/2017/07/30/the-difference-between-kaupapa-maori-and-matauranga-maori/

Te Karere TVNZ. "The Evolution of Maori Art Over 20 Years". YouTube, Te Karere TVNZ, 7 Dec 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGWgivKiKng

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. "Five Maori Painters: Robyn Kahukawi." YouTube, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 24 Feb 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOdSpSi-YBs

Royal, Charles. "Politics and Knowledge: Kaupapa Maori and Matauranga Maori." New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies, vol.47, no.2, 2012, pp. 30-37.