Maori Religion and Mythology / Illustrated by Translations of Traditions, Karakia, &c., to Which Are Added Notes on Maori Tenure of Land

Collections of traditional narratives, incantations, and explanations of belief systems among the Māori are presented, including a detailed cosmogony, accounts of religious rites and karakia, descriptions of chiefly status and customary procedures for claiming and naming land, and an analysis of customary land tenure. The translations were gathered from elders and practitioners, with notes on words and relationships and selected original-language prayers in an appendix. Observations on ritual practice, tapu and noa, ancestral veneration, and practical instructions for land claims accompany the texts, while glosses and a vocabulary clarify terminology for readers.