Tangi Process

Tangi Process

Whānau pani

 Grieving takes many forms and in traditional times this included haehae (laceration of the body) with shells or obsidian, or even whakamomori (suicide). The whānau pani would not partake in any other activity but would remain beside the tūpāpaku (corpse) and refrain from eating.

Pare kawakawa

The greenery or pare kawakawa worn around the head as a wreath during tangihanga has become a symbol of the tangi for many people.  It is used in a wide number of rituals including the launch of canoes and the opening of houses.

Te hahunga

The practices for hahu or nehu (the burial of the body) have changed over time. Traditionally the tūpāpaku were buried in shallow graves, or placed in secret places including caves or trees.  In some cases the tūpāpaku would be weighted down with something and buried in the sea or in a deep pool of water.