Ringatu

views updated

Ringatu (Maori, Ringa-tua, ‘upraised hand’). The oldest continuing prophet movement in New Zealand. It was founded by Te Kooti Rikirangi (?1830–93) among prisoners captured during the Anglo-Maori wars, with whom he had been unjustly deported to the Chatham Islands in 1866. His earnest Bible study established a new Maori religion which spread after their escape home in 1868. He is now revered as saint and martyr, and creator of the Ringatu liturgy.

More From encyclopedia.com