The Origin of Maori Pa (fortified village) from the Viewpoint of Kumara

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the origin of Maori pa(fortified village) from the viewpoint of kumara(sweet potato) which is considered to be one of the principal food for Maori people. First, I present the outline of the previous research concerning kumara and pa. Second, factors related to kumara cultivation such as claimate, soil, and etc. are examined. Third, technology or art concerning kumara cultivation will be considered. Forth, characteristics of kumara as a food will be investigated. Finally, based on the above mentioned characteristics related to kumara, I will frame a hypothesis and try to demonstrate the hypothesis as follows; that is, kumara cultivation invites people to kumara land, and the population there increases, as a result there happens shortage of kumara, therefore, conflicts as to acquisition of kumara garden among the tribes concerned break out, and each tribe takes necessary measures to protect the people and property and begins construction of fortified villages, thus pa originates in the kumara land among others in the northern part of North Island, Aotearoa where provides suitable field for kumara cultivation. As a coclusion, my premise from kumara cultivation to pa construction is proved, I think. That is to say, the origin of Maori pa is directory and closely related to kumara cultivation.