Mokomokai
Mokomokai is a very old and unique practice from the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. It involves taking the head of a person who has passed away and preserving it in a special way so that it can be displayed and honored.
The process starts with taking the head and removing all of the flesh and muscle from it. This is done very carefully and respectfully, almost like taking off a mask. Once the head is cleaned, it is given a special treatment with natural oils and resins to preserve it.
The Maori people believe that the preserved heads contain the essence or spiritual energy of the person who once lived in the body. They would display the mokomokai heads in their homes or carry them around with them as a way to keep the spirit of their ancestors close. It was also believed to be a powerful way to protect their tribe and keep evil spirits away.
Nowadays, mokomokai is seen as a controversial and sensitive topic. Many people believe that it is disrespectful to the deceased and goes against modern moral values. However, for the Maori people, it is an important part of their cultural heritage and is still practiced in some communities today.
The process starts with taking the head and removing all of the flesh and muscle from it. This is done very carefully and respectfully, almost like taking off a mask. Once the head is cleaned, it is given a special treatment with natural oils and resins to preserve it.
The Maori people believe that the preserved heads contain the essence or spiritual energy of the person who once lived in the body. They would display the mokomokai heads in their homes or carry them around with them as a way to keep the spirit of their ancestors close. It was also believed to be a powerful way to protect their tribe and keep evil spirits away.
Nowadays, mokomokai is seen as a controversial and sensitive topic. Many people believe that it is disrespectful to the deceased and goes against modern moral values. However, for the Maori people, it is an important part of their cultural heritage and is still practiced in some communities today.