Kiwi birds are flightless birds native to New Zealand. With their brown, fur-like feathers, long beaks, and nocturnal nature, they are unusual birds that have captured the fascination of many around the world. But are they considered sacred by anyone? Let’s take a closer look at the cultural and spiritual significance of the kiwi.
Kiwi in Māori culture
For the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand, the kiwi holds a special significance. In their mythology, the kiwi is said to be under the protection of the god of the forest, Tane. According to the legend, Tane was the one who bestowed the kiwi with many of its unique attributes, like its curious long beak for snuffling along the forest floor and its sturdy legs.
The Māori believe the spirits of their ancestors are incarnated as different creatures in nature. The kiwi is seen as an incarnation of an ancestor and is even referred to as “the people of the night.” Harming or eating the kiwi is taboo for many Māori tribes. Traditional Māori carvings and artwork depicting the kiwi suggest it was a revered creature associated with nobility and the spiritual world.
Use in folklore
Kiwi frequently appear in Māori folk tales and legends. They are clever tricksters outwitting enemies twice their size and known for their speed and daring. The kiwi is a common character representing bravery and resourcefulness in Māori storytelling.
Feather cloaks
Cloaks made from kiwi feathers were treasured possessions worn by Māori chiefs. The lengthy process of collecting feathers and weaving them into a cloak added to their prestige. Wearing a cloak made from the feathers of native birds signaled the elevated status of a chief or warrior within a tribe.
Role in Māori ceremonies
Not only does the kiwi appear in Māori stories, but its feathers and parts were historically used in sacred ceremonies and rituals:
- Kiwi feathers were incorporated into taonga, or treasured artifacts believed to contain a sacred spirit.
- Kiwi fat was used to make oil for anointing those of high rank.
- Elaborate kiwi feather headdresses were worn by tribe members of standing.
- Kiwi feathers decorated sacred buildings housing religious artifacts.
The widespread ceremonial uses for the kiwi among Māori tribes underscores the deep cultural respect and reverence held for this unique bird.
Kiwi as a national symbol of New Zealand
The kiwi’s status as an endangered native species and its uniqueness to New Zealand has elevated it to a national symbol for all New Zealanders, both Māori and non-Māori. Some examples include:
Coat of arms
New Zealand’s coat of arms features the kiwi. It appears holding banners in its beak symbolizing the people speaking out on matters of national importance.
Coins and currency
Kiwi have appeared on many New Zealand coins dating back to the 1940s. The one-dollar coin has included the kiwi since the 1960s.
Military emblem
The kiwi is an emblem worn by many military regiments in New Zealand. Soldiers are informally referred to as “kiwis” whether they are Māori or non-Māori.
Namesake
“Kiwi” is a common nickname for New Zealanders and people from New Zealand. The word is much more broadly known than just referring to the birds.
Conservation efforts
Saving the vulnerable kiwi has become a national mission that both Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders are committed to. From kiwi recovery groups to backyard sanctuaries, efforts protect the treasured bird.
Are kiwi birds worshipped today?
The kiwi maintains spiritual significance for some modern day Māori, while also evolving into a more widely embraced national icon.
Role in tribal identity
Many Māori tribes and communities maintain traditional beliefs about the kiwi being a spiritual ancestor to their people. Images and stories about the kiwi are still shared to promote cultural values and community identity.
Informal taboos
While eating kiwi is not strictly taboo today, some Māori refrain out of deference to tribal ancestors and customs. Many find it tapu (sacred) to harm or consume the kiwi.
Ceremonial usage
Kiwi feathers and parts are still incorporated into sacred garments, carvings, and buildings by some Māori for certain rituals and formal occasions, continuing centuries-old traditions.
Tourism
Māori communities promote awareness of their ancestral connection to the kiwi to educate visitors and preserve traditional knowledge. Marae (cultural centers) and museums share kiwi folklore and history with tourists.
National pride
All New Zealanders today have strong pride in the kiwi as a symbol of their natural heritage. While not worshipped per se, it is valued and protected.
Conclusion
So in summary, the kiwi bird holds a sacred status in Māori culture and indigenous beliefs, though is not literally worshipped as a god. Traditional reverence for the kiwi persists among some Māori communities through storytelling, ceremonies, and informal taboos. More widely, the kiwi is cherished as a national icon and emblem of what makes New Zealand unique. Ongoing conservation efforts demonstrate the high regard this flightless bird still commands as a living treasure.
