Description
Murdoch Riley. Hardcover, 88 pages.
The book describes the status of birds in the Maori world, their connection with the gods, how birds were caught in traditional times, snaring and preserving birds for winter consumption etc. Their importance is emphasised by the various stories and rituals that engaged a pantheon of gods of the highest rank who dwelt at Hawaiki, the spiritual homeland.
A CD with songs about birds by Hirini Melbourne, called “Forest and Ocean”, is supplied with the book.
