Joseph Malcolm

Citation

Thesis Title
Te Hua o te Pokeka

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Mr Malcolm researched the Te Arawa ritual composition called pokeka as a living art form and an abundant source of knowledge about tribal history and scholarship. He researched and provided extensive annotations of pokeka. This research enabled him to develop a framework to ascertain the names of the composers of these highly ritualised chants and the hapu (sub-tribe) to which each pokeka belonged. He was also able to explain the reasons and the inspiration for these compositions using historical evidence, as well as to clarify the meaning of archaic words, ancestors, place names, and customary and intellectual properties involved in pokeka. This groundbreaking thesis, written in the Maori language in the Te Arawa dialect, is a valuable language record of tribal narratives and syntax, which evokes the rhythms and speech patterns of pokeka. Mr Malcolm’s thesis will serve as a useful resource for future Maori language scholars of Te Arawa and other iwi.

Supervisors
Professor Taiarahia Black
Dr Rangi Matamua