In the rich culture of the Maori people of New Zealand, a Tohunga is recognized as an expert practitioner of any skill or art, whether religious or secular. Tohunga encompass a wide range of expertise, including priests, healers, navigators, carvers, builders, teachers, and advisors. Often, a Tohunga could also be the head of a whānau (family), a rangatira (chief), or an ariki (noble).
The Transmission of Knowledge
Tohunga held vast knowledge of both spiritual and temporal rites. This knowledge was traditionally passed down orally through many generations at wānanga (places of learning/schools). An essential tool used by Tohunga was taonga pūoro, which were musical instruments employed to invoke divine intervention or assistance from the gods.
The Impact of the Tohunga Suppression Act
Despite the respect for Tohunga, witchcraft was a source of fear among both Maori and European settlers. Concerns about charlatans exploiting the vulnerable and the ineffectiveness of traditional Maori medicine against European diseases led to the Tohunga Suppression Act of 1907. This act severely restricted the practices of Tohunga, leading to a significant loss of traditional knowledge and practices as many Tohunga ceased to pass on their oral traditions.
The act was repealed in 1962, but by that time, much of the language and traditions had been corrupted or lost. However, some kaumatua (elders) and kuia (female elders) continued to pass on their knowledge orally through the generations.
The Role of Female Tohunga
The importance and roles of female Tohunga have often been overlooked or briefly mentioned by twentieth-century scholars. In recent times, there has been a greater effort to explore and acknowledge the contributions of female Tohunga in Maori culture.
The Concept of Tapu
Tapu, meaning "sacred" or "forbidden," is a deeply ingrained belief and religious custom among the Maori. There are various types of tapu, including personal tapu and local tapu, affecting many aspects of daily life. Tohunga, due to their knowledge of ancient and potent karakia (prayers and incantations) and their role as mediums with the atua (gods and spirits), were imbued with tapu.
Practices Surrounding Death
Tohunga who handled the dead were fed by others, as their tapu status rendered them unable to touch food. The remains of the dead and all associated practices were highly tapu, making anyone who handled them extremely tapu as well. These individuals had to be fed without using their hands, a practice vividly depicted in historical paintings from old-time pā (villages).
Selection and Training of Tohunga
Tohunga were a special group selected from birth, usually from the rangatira class, although talented individuals from lower ranks could also be chosen. The most revered Tohunga, known as Tohunga Ahurewa, were trained in whare wānanga (schools of learning) and whare tātai (schools of genealogy). They were well-versed in genealogy, oral history, astronomy, natural lore, and a vast repertoire of chants and karakia for various purposes, including planting, building, healing, and farewelling the dead.
Different Types of Tohunga
There were various types of Tohunga, each with their specialized knowledge:
- Tohunga Mākutu: Trained in the whare-maire (house of learning), believed to have the ability to cast spells (mākutu).
- Tohunga Whakairo: Expert carvers.
- Tohunga Tārai Waka: Canoe builders.
- Tohunga Tāura: Apprentice Tohunga.
- Tohunga Tohiora: Experts in birthing.
- Tohunga Tā Moko: Tattoo artists.