Home / Deep Past and First Games / Pacific and Oceania
Encyclopedia ID 982
Whai
Also known as Maori string figures
Pattern making with a flax loop, accompanied by chants; traditionally played by all ages.
Heritage note
Part of the living heritage of New Zealand.
Origins
Usually placed in the era of Deep Past and First Games (before about 3000 BCE), although its exact origins are uncertain, within the cultural world of Pacific and Oceania.
Sources
Related entries
Gilbert Islands string figures
Kiribati · Dexterity and skill gamesMarshallese string figures
Marshall Islands · Dexterity and skill gamesCarolinian string figures
Micronesia · Dexterity and skill gamesPalauan string figures
Palau · Dexterity and skill gamesSolomon string figures
Solomon Islands · Dexterity and skill gamesLafo
Tonga · Dexterity and skill games
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