Manu Māori: Birds Legends & Customs

Author: Murdoch Riley

Hardback 197mm X 143mm PAGES: 88

Bird legends and customs of the Māori.  The book describes the status of birds in the Māori world, their connection with the gods, how birds were caught in traditional times, snaring and preserving birds for winter consumption etc.  Their importance is emphasized by the various stories and rituals that engaged a pantheon of gods of the highest rank who dwelt at Hawaiki, the spiritual homeland. A CD with songs about birds by Hirini Melbourne, called "Forest and Ocean", is supplied with the book.