The lecture from Dr Kaa and subsequent reading touched on two important concepts, Mātauranga and identity. knowledge and values of harvesting important food resources passed on through generations. Dr Kaa spoke about the important tradition and rituals of harvesting kahawai. Stevens (2006) relates a continuity of knowledge and identity passed down since pre-European times: “at the end of the 18th century, tītī had been harvested… for two-three centuries”. Mātauranga must have been important to keep this practice from being lost.
Reflecting on the concepts of Mātauranga and identity, I have found it has importance to my own knowledge of food collection. The harvesting of eel. When I was younger, my grandfather would take us eeling. The process and values of catching eels were passed to me. In preparation, we would wind lines on spools, and wrap bacon onto the hooks. The lines were left overnight. Back home we killed and cleaned the eels, despite being young we understood the importance of taking a life. The eel was smoked with honey and salt, and most importantly shared with friends. Sadly this knowledge will be lost to further generations. Native eels are now endangered with many threats, it is no longer a sustainable practice. My attitude has also changed I can’t bring myself to take the life of an ancient creature that can live for more than 50 years. despite this, I hope that you might reflect on your own knowledge of traditional food harvest in your culture and celebrate it.
Reference: Michael J. Stevens (2006) Kāi Tahu me te Hopu Tītī ki Rakiura:, The Journal of Pacific History, 41:3, 273-291, DOI: 10.1080/00223340600984737
I thought your description of eeling was so lovely. I haven’t eaten meat in years but you made the process sound so special and nostalgic. Being part of the dominant culture in New Zealand I feel like ordering uber eats is beginning to be a part of my traditional form of food harvest, so I’m pretty jealous of how dreamy yours sounds.
It is really sad that this isn’t a sustainable practise anymore! It made me think of the importance of mataurānga but also mana whenua. The maintenance of upholding control over land and tradition to Kāi Tahu must of been an immense source of mana. Knowing where we come from and having a connection to something as seemingly simple as to where our food is derived can be so important in our own authority, identity and self respect. Our land and sea is so valuable in our food production that if we let it deteriorate this will likely effect matauranga and the ability to carry out tradition, like in your example of eeling.
Thanks for sharing!
Dr Kaa’s presentation was super interesting and really explored some of the greater spiritual meanings that food and it’s traditions have – including the hunting and gathering. I think you’ve brought some awesome extra perspective to the topic by including a personal perspective which includes the larger (Maori) culture but also how these traditions are passed on at an individual scale.
I loved the form of writing you used to share the process of fishing for eels. It felt very familiar and relatable (I have had similar experiences fishing with family), I think this relateable retelling certainly helped me reflect on other practices of food collection I’ve had growing up. Unfortunately, it seems that the process of gathering will continue to become more commercialised – perhaps that may cause (an even larger) focus of tradition into food preparation.