cold and harsh in comparison to tropical island Polynesia. Great ingenuity
was required to grow the tropical plants they had brought with them from
Polynesia, including taro, kumara, gourds, and yams; this was
especially difficult in the chillier southern parts of the country. The harakeke (flax
plant) served as a replacement for coconut fronds and hibiscus fibre in the
manufacture of mats, baskets, rope, fishing nets and clothing.
Seasonal activities included gardening, fishing and the hunting of birds.
Main tasks were separated for men and women, but there were also a lot of group
activities involving food gathering and food cultivation, and warfare. Art was
and is a prominent part of the culture as seen in the carving of houses, canoes,
weapons, and other items. The people also wore highly decorative personal
ornaments, and people of rank often had their skin marked with extensive tā moko similar to
tattooing.
