Photo By Master Sgt. Daniel Palermo | CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait — Soldiers flex their muscles as they pose for a group photo...... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait — U.S. Army Soldiers of Camp Arifjan came together to learn to perform the haka war cry and battle against their opponents May 26 in honor of Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Haka is a traditional war chant native to New Zealand’s Maori people. There are numerous ancient Maori legends to suggest where Haka was officially originated. One common mythology is that it originated from the sun god, Tama-nui-te-ra and one of his wives, the Summer Maid, Hine-raumati, who symbolized the spirit of summer. They had a son named Tane-rore who made the air seem to dance and tremble on hot days. The Maori’s believe the trembling of the air on hot summer days is because Tane-rore is dancing for his mother.
Traditionally, haka is performed in a group, as part of a ceremony of introduction when two parties meet, or when a visitor is invited into the community. The haka dance is a ferocious exhibition demonstrating tribe pride, strength, and unity; it’s an integral part of Maori culture, tribal mythology and tradition.
The haka is a war cry — a war dance, traditionally used on the battlefield, or a challenge in Māori culture. It is a posture dance performed with energetic and dynamic movements that encompass the entire body, to include vigorous bulging of the eyes and sticking out the tongue, slapping of the chest, thighs and arms, foot-stomping, and making fierce facial gestures of stylized violence complemented by loud rhythmic cadence chants and shouts.
Although, haka is often associated with the traditional battle preparations of male warriors, haka in most cases may be performed by both men and women together. On special events, haka is performed by all men or all women groups. The New Zealand Army has a distinctive haka that opens and ends by all female soldiers to acknowledge their special place in the armed forces. Most notably, the New Zealand rugby team, “All Blacks”, performs Haka before their international matches which has significantly increased world awareness and appreciation of the traditional dance.
In the hot early morning sun, through thick air, Soldiers at Camp Arifjan joined together to demonstrate their ability and strength in competition against their rivalry in a haka war cry. The haka leaders created two teams and each instructor taught distinct moves for their group’s particular haka dance.
“It was getting two groups of different people together. Teaching them haka, having a bit of fun, and learning the battle cry. Hopefully, they will share their experience and memory with others back home,” said Maj. Ernie Felix, Australian Army, embedded with the U.S. Defense Force, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve
After an hour of practice, the two teams shuffled their way to the middle of the field to demonstrate their personalized haka dance and battle it out. Cut throat gestures, vigorous body slaps and loud chants echoed across the field. In the end, referee Lt. Col. Erik Smith, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion commander, 28th Infantry Division, called the haka war a draw. The competitors hugged, high fived, and shoulder bumped to show their respect for their hard-work.
Haka instructor, Sgt. 1st Class Dale Marino, Detachment 1 (Mortuary Affairs), 962nd Quarter Master Company, 9th Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve, currently with the 38th Sustainment Brigade said, “The teams were fully engaged and excited to learn the haka. My team did a great job learning the words and motions of the Haka. I believed it showed when we faced off against Maj. Felix's team. Everyone had a great time and learned something as well. And we won that battle, even though they called it a tie.”
| Date Taken: | 05.26.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2018 09:49 |
| Story ID: | 281058 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Soldiers show pride, strength and unity during, by MSG Daniel Palermo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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