Hau: giving voices to the ancestors

Abstract

Gift exchange within Maori society, underpinned by the notion of hau, is a favoured topic for anthropological research. Hau has become an international phenomenon due to its potential relevance to understanding gift economies in many non-monetary societies worldwide. However, the desire in anthropological and socioeconomic analyses to constantly redefine the concept of hau within the narrow context of gift exchange has led to a separation of hau as the life force from its Maori philosophical base and, moreover, to a separation of Maori from the philosophy of hau. This article attempts to provide an expansive, culturally grounded account of hau by bringing Maori voices to the forefront of this international discussion. The voices of Maori ancestors are privileged and kept alive through the oral literature of respected Maori leaders. Highlighted here is the dynamic interaction of hau with other life forces, and its interwoven philosophy that is nuanced according to a cosmological, spiritual and genealogically based worldview.