MAORI CLOTHING AND SONGS.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12398, 13 November 1908, Page 4

MAORI CLOTHING AND SONGS.

Mr Elsdon Best contributes to the New Zealand Year Book for 1908, Part 111 (the advance sheets of which have just . been issued), two exceedingly interesting papers, one dealing with ancient Maori clothing, and one with Maori. songs. Mr Best says that when theJPplynesian vikings first arrived in this land they probably wore clothing made from the bark of the aute shrub, and that shrub was introduced and cultivated here until recent times. But such material was not suited for this southern, climate, hence it. fell into disuse, and use was made of thestrong fibres of flax. In the course ' of time the Maori became an adept at the' preparation and weaving of the stronger and more durable fibres of the harakeke (the New Zealand flax), the toi, and the kiekie. " The process of weaving, which was carried out without a loom, is described in a very interesting manner, as are also the different kinds of garments worn by the Maoris according to sex, age, and station. Maori singing has been likened to the .Gregorian chant, says Mr Best. melody is produced by slight modulation of the voice, by lengthened vowel sounds, and by the fall of the. voice at the' end of a line or stanza." The Maori has an excellent ear for the slightest modulations of the voice, and is a marvellous time-keeper. The tunes of Maori songs lend themselves to lightness, joy, or humour. They may be sad or solemn, expressive of affection or anger, sarcasm, regret or desire, but never of merriment or humour. A' list. of subjects of songs, taken at random by Mr Best, is curious, as showing how seriously the .Maori regarded his singing: — A son g^ by a person accused of theft j a lament for a dead child; by- a woman accused of loosed conduct and inhospitality; by a man cursing a person for" stealing his- pig; by, a man attacked of leprosy; a love song ; a prophetic vision regarding the issue of a fight. . . ' •