"Ka Mate" is a Māori haka composed by Te Rauparaha, war leader of the Ngāti Toa tribe of the North Island of New Zealand.
Te Rauparaha, Ngāti Toa chief, 1840s
The All Blacks performing the Ka Mate haka
Isaac Luke and Adam Blair of the New Zealand national rugby league team performing "Ka Mate"
Haka are a variety of ceremonial dances in Māori culture. A performance art, haka are often performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. Haka have been traditionally performed by both men and women for a variety of social functions within Māori culture. They are performed to welcome distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great achievements, occasions, or funerals.
Haka is a traditional genre of Māori dance. This painting dates from c. 1845.
When performed by men, haka feature protruding of the tongue.
19th-century illustration of a haka, c. 1890
A group of men and women perform a haka for Governor Lord Ranfurly at Ruatoki, Bay of Plenty, 1904