Maori Religion and Mythology

"Maori Religion and Mythology" by Edward Shortland is a seminal work that delves into the spiritual and cultural practices of the Maori people of New Zealand. Compiled by Shortland, an English-born physician and ethnographer who spent many years in New Zealand, this book provides a detailed account of Maori mythology, religious rites, and concepts of authority. The text is illustrated by translations of traditions, karakia (prayers), and narratives dictated to Shortland by Maori informants or written down for him to translate. The book includes a particularly detailed account of Maori cosmogony, lists of Maori vocabulary relating to kinship and the spirit world, and extensive notes on the naming and claiming of land and the Maori understanding of land tenure. Shortland's careful research and respectful approach offer readers a comprehensive understanding of the rich spiritual heritage and cultural practices of the Maori people. "Maori Religion and Mythology" is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in anthropology, religious studies, and the history and culture of the Maori. It serves as a vital record of the traditional beliefs and practices of the Maori people before the significant impacts of European colonization.