Kawa
/ˈkɑː.wə/noun
A Māori ceremonial protocol or formal ritual observed on important occasions.
Did you know?Māori kawa governs ceremonial behavior, including protocols such as who may speak, where people sit, and how formal gatherings begin.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Polynesian
Proto-Polynesian
*kawa
“Custom, practice, or socially prescribed procedure”
Eastern Polynesian
Eastern Polynesian
*kawa
“Ceremonial custom or established protocol”
Pre-European Māori
Māori
kawa
“The formal ritual protocol governing an important gathering”
19th Century
Māori English
kawa
“Māori ceremonial custom or procedure”
Modern English
New Zealand English
kawa
“A Māori protocol or ceremony, especially one used at formal events”