Haka were traditionall performed before entering battle. Maori warriors often went into battle naked, apart from a plaited flax belt around the waist, and which was used for attaching short clubs. The haka may also be used to tell of great feats, or danced as a special welcome before a high-ranking guest. A haka can also express grievance, or, in earlier times, could be addressing a prayer to one of the ancient Maori Gods.
