The most important building in Maori meetings grounds resembles an ancestor’s body
Māori tribes and families construct Marae, fenced-in complexes used as meeting grounds and communal living spaces. While inside, they conduct meetings, celebrations, funerals, education, and other essential tribal functions. Although Marae also feature an open area, a dining hall, and other buildings needed for communal living, the most important building is the Wharenui. They have been ornately carved since at least the 15th century.
These meeting houses are usually named after an ancestor or a figure from Māori mythology. They represent the body of a specific ancestor, depicted through the Tekoteko, a curved figure at the house’s apex, and the Koruru mask directly underneath. Stories from the ancestor’s life are depicted through the Whakairo carvings, with the artistic style varying from tribe to tribe.
The Maihi bargeboards spread from either side of the Kokuru, representing the ancestor’s outstretched arms, welcoming tribe members and guests into the Wharenui. The Maihi are supported by Amo at their extremities, the ancestor’s legs. At the top of this porch structure is the Tāhūhū, running through the Warenui to its rear, literally the building’s backbone.
Inside, the roof is held up by Heke, ornately painted rafters akin to the building’s ribcage. Also supporting the roof are Poutokomanawa, connecting the floor to the ceiling. Māori consider the Poutokomanawa the beating heart of the Wharenui, acting as the link between the earth and the sky.
These connections to a tribes ancestors allow Māori to use their Wharenui as a reminder of who they are and what is important to them. A Wharenui is also the domain of Rongo, a Māori peace deity, and Māori may use their Wharenui for religious rituals. Yet, these sacred buildings are not considered dedicated houses of worship.
When Māori visit their Marae, they live communally, sleeping together in the Wharenui on mattresses lined against the wall, resting within a representation of their honoured ancestor. Food cannot usually be taken into the Wharenui, with the neighbouring Whare Kai eating house built for dining. Visitors may also be welcomed into the Marae and Wharenui. However, they first need to participate in a formal welcoming ceremony, through which they become one people with those in the Marae.
The All About History Archive contains more than 600 images like the one above and hundreds of accompanying features examining world history from ancient Egypt to the Cold War. More assets and articles are being added all the time. To search and purchase images directly from the Image Archive, please register here.
Louis is the Staff Writer at History of War magazine, spending his time writing, interviewing historians, and leading the magazine’s social media output. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Exeter, where he became interested in military history while writing his dissertation on the Spanish Civil War.
Subscribe to
All About History now for amazing savings!
Follow All About History on…