To both proclaim their strength and prowess, plus to intimidate the opposition, Maori warriors historically did a "War haka" or dance.

However, a haka in modern times can be part of a formal welcoming ceremony for visitors. No longer just a warrior's dance, the haka can also be performed by either men or women or a mixed group as seen here. The dance includes bulging eyes, the poking out of the tongue, vocalizations, and limb movements: all of which symbolize courage, annoyance, happiness or other feelings related to the individual occasion.

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