Yes, a tohunga can be a woman. In Māori culture, a tohunga is an expert in any skill or art, whether it be religious or secular. This means that women could, and did, hold positions of authority and expertise in various areas, including:
- Spiritual leadership: Women could be tohunga wāhine (female priests) and lead ceremonies, heal the sick, and connect with the spirit world.
- Traditional knowledge: Women could be experts in tikanga (customs) and whakapapa (genealogy) and were responsible for passing this knowledge down through generations.
- Arts and crafts: Women could be tohunga in weaving, carving, and other traditional crafts, and their skills were highly valued within their communities.
While the tohunga role was often associated with men, it was not exclusive to them. Women played significant roles in Māori society and their knowledge and expertise were essential for the wellbeing of their communities.
