Symbolism
What does the whale tooth symbolize?
The whale tooth symbolized Koro's tradition and whoever retrieved it, represented the next chief.
What type of people was Koro Apirana looking for?
Men who followed the cultural traditions for the tribe.
Why is Koro Apirana rude to Kahu?
Kahu broke the tradition because up till now, all chiefs are male and she is a "useless girl."
how does Nanny Flowers treat Kahu?
With love, care, compassion, and is very protective of her.
What happened when people found the whales washed up on the shore?
They started to form groups to help pull the whales back into the sea.
What does the whale represent?
The whale represents the connection between the Maori people and its history.
Why does Koro Apirana tell Nanny Flowers to stay back with the whales?
Males are believed to be stronger and the head of the tribe/house. While the women stay behind and take care of the household.
What important traits does Kahu have throughout the book?
She is selfless, Determined, driven, caring, and loving.
Why does Koro not like Kahu?
Because she is a female and women aren't allowed to be in charge due to the thoughts of the Maori people.
Why was Koro confused when he saw the sign on the bull whales head?
The sign is very sacred sign to Maori culture and represents disconnection between nature and the Maori people.
Why are the whales dying so important to the Maori people?
They worship them and if they die, then so do the people and the spirit of Maori.
When did Koro finally except Kahu?
He excepted her when he found out that Kahu had found the whale tooth.
Why is Nanny Flowers so protective and kind to Kahu?
Because she believes that women are strong and can do the same things as men too.
Why was Koro mad when he came back from the boat with the kids?
Because none of them could get the whale tooth that Koro threw in the ocean.
To become the chief of Maori, what task did you have to complete?
You would have to jump in the sea and go dive for a whales tooth that the former chief threw.
What happens to the birth cord when a baby is born?
The birth cord gets buried at the same place where the baby was born.
How does Koro treat Kahu?
rude,
Why did Koro Apirana kick Kahu out of the meeting house?
The meeting house only allows future chiefs/ only males and Kahu is a female.
Why did Koro Apirana not place Kahu's birth cord?
He believed that she was irrelevant and not important enough to place the chord in Whangara.
How does Kahu treat Koro?
with respect, love, and admiration
Why did Kahu ride on the whale?
To try to prove to Koro Apirana that she is willing to sacrifice herself for the tribe.