Tapu in tradition, history and scholarship

Abstract

Tapu is a foundational reality of Maori life. It is multi-faceted and with its many aspects and expressions it has defied exact analysis and definition. This research portfolio investigates tapu from three different starting points. Firstly, references to tapu in collections of nineteenth century Maori manuscripts are translated and analyzed to ascertain as far as possible the beliefs and practices prevailing up to that lime. Then the observations and reflections of explorers, traders, missionaries and settlers from 1769 to 1850 are examined for further evidence from the first decades of Maori-European contact. Finally, the works of twentieth century Maori scholars are analyzed to discover the extent of continuity with earlier beliefs and any developments in understanding. The work of 000- Maori scholars who have made contributions to the topic is also taken into account. The evidence uncovered from these three lines of research make possible, not a definition, but a more comprehensive description of key aspects of tapu.