Prior to European influence, the Maoris were a polytheistic (many gods) people. Their religious practices were based on tribal hierarchy and tradition. They built totem/ridgepole idols which represented their gods. For example, Tangaroa represented the ocean and the origin of sea life. Tane represented the forest and the origin of birds. Rongo represented agriculture and the origin of plants. They believed that certain people and things contained a spiritual essence of power called mana. In the early 19th century, Christianity was introduced. Today it is the major religion of the Maori people however some still practice the old Maori ways. Islam also took hold later and interestingly but shamefully, the numbers increased quickly following the Sept 11 attacks.
