This photograph of Māori children leaping into the Waikato River was taken in 1906 but shows a form of play popular since ancient times. Together with other children's activities such as stick games, diving and jumping were regarded as early preparation for weapons handling and other forms of warfare.
Using this item
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference:
Elsdon Best, Games and pastimes of the Maori. Wellington: Government Printer, 1925
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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