Natural Resources:
* Timber: Māori traded large amounts of kauri timber, prized for its strength and durability.
* Flax (linen): Māori flax (harakeke) was used to make strong ropes, mats, and clothing.
* Food: They traded food like potatoes, kumara (sweet potato), and fish.
Manufactured Goods:
* Carvings: Māori crafted beautiful and intricate carvings from wood and bone.
* Weapons: They traded weaponry like clubs, spears, and axes, both for defense and as a symbol of power.
* Tools: Tools made of stone, bone, or wood were also traded.
Other Goods:
* Slaves: Sadly, some Māori were enslaved and traded by Europeans, particularly in the early years of contact.
* Land: Land was sometimes traded, often for goods like guns, tools, or clothing.
Important Notes:
* Early Trade: Early interactions between Māori and Europeans were often focused on obtaining goods like guns, tools, and clothing. These items were initially seen as valuable and helpful by some Māori, but they later led to significant disruptions in Māori society.
* Unequal Power Dynamics: The trade relationships were often unequal, with Europeans having more power and control. This resulted in exploitation and hardship for some Māori.
It's crucial to remember that the Māori people were a complex and diverse society with a rich cultural heritage. While trade played a significant role in their interaction with Europeans, it's essential to avoid oversimplification and understand the nuanced historical context.