The Peacemaker
Poppa is a symbol of the role and function of the Koroua or grandfathers in relation to their tribal cloak.
The wearing of cloaks during public speeches and intertribal performance present a spiritual sword and shield opening the barrier between the spirit world and the living for all to hear and see. This includes the cloak that covers the tangi coffin.
The korero of the cloak begins with the true family tree of the tribe to open the door to Poutama.
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"Your Poppa is my Poppa. Your Nanny is my Nanny."
The Matador beguiles the audience with poetic weaving of words, journeys and times of wisdom all mixed in joy of humour.
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Lifting perspectives of their listeners with visionary movement of form and sway of the Cape when they turn, or lift a hand to acknowledge the life force above and beneath their words.
The Cane (Te Tokotoko)an instrument of the kaumatua, passed down through generations where hand is set upon hand before, to hold together, and swing their words weaving like a Matador's sword.
The Land We Speak On a conductor of soil and spirit enhancing depths of tone when Cane hits floor to open the earth and speak in front of Our Mountain Keepers.
The Whalebone Patu a living source of history mixing its own generational [pre baptism] wairua to match the speaker. The greater the speaker the more the mana flows from the Patu weaving sacred threads of breath bringing to life the photos of House of Tawakaheimoa from within the patterned rafters.
For us he is woken for only the hiearchy steps of poutama, left sleeping gathers his mana mauri as tangata toa for all over their side of the universe. This is the connection between true blood and the innocent learner. The Matador of Mokoia, Hehe's hei tiki lineage, and his simple instruments of Te Korero, Paipera Tapu mixed with the innocense of his mokopuna , to guide them with clear threads to navigate.
