Taonga and the Māori Practice of Giving

Western understanding of Māori giving practices originated with French anthropologist Marcel Mauss. Mauss elucidates the beliefs and customs surrounding taonga in his Essai sur le don: forme et raison de l'échange dans les sociétés archaïques_ (1925; The Gift). In this study, Mauss identifies _hau as the animating spirit that initiates an act of generosity. Because hau represents a core aspect of the giver’s being, it naturally seeks to return to its original source through a reciprocal act. Through this process, taonga nurtures and deepens the ties between members of a community. Mauss’s research laid the foundation for the development of sociological theories relating to gift exchange and reciprocity.  

In contrast to Western philanthropy, the Māori ethic of generosity blurs the distinction between giver and receiver. In the West, an act of charity typically involves the transfer of wealth from a donor to a recipient who has demonstrated a particular need. Taonga represents not a single charitable act but rather a holistic process in which the acts of giving, receiving and reciprocating are interconnected and unified. The spirit of hau guides the community’s economic practices, interpersonal relationships, rituals and stewardship of the natural world. The harmonious and consistent practice of taonga also imbues the community with_ hauora_, or “well-being.” 

Although urbanization, Westernization and other forces have eroded aspects of traditional Māori society, taonga continues to thrive in New Zealand. It is evident in the generous hospitality characteristic of indigenous culture, as well as the enduring commitment to environmental guardianship among Māori tribes. By ensuring that generosity remains woven into the fabric of daily life, Māori society can inspire other cultures to rethink their underlying relationships with each other and the world, while redefining the meaning and practice of philanthropy.

Contributors: Maha Tazi, Stephen Meyer