1. A Māori Traditional School:
* In pre-colonial Māori society, wananga were institutions of higher learning where young people were taught traditional knowledge, skills, and values.
* These schools focused on subjects like genealogy, history, language, navigation, medicine, warfare, and spirituality.
* They were often led by tohunga (experts) and were considered prestigious and important for the community.
2. A Modern Māori Gathering or Workshop:
* Today, wananga can also refer to modern workshops or gatherings focused on Māori culture, language, knowledge, and issues.
* These can be educational in nature, focusing on specific skills or topics, or they can be more general gatherings for community building and cultural revitalization.
3. Other Meanings:
* Wananga can also mean "meeting place" or "gathering."
* It can also be used as a verb meaning "to teach" or "to learn."
In summary, "wananga" is a versatile word with a rich history in Māori culture. It signifies a place or event for learning, sharing, and preserving traditional knowledge and values.