It is also common to see photos of loved ones who have passed away placed inside. A. (noun) meeting house, large house - main building of a marae where guests are accommodated. This woodcarving would probably be on a post or panel of the Maori meeting house. The front of a carved house has at the apex of the gable a large carved head with no part of the body visible. Others honor leaders. The Maori meeting house is of major significance to the Maori people. Maori Meeting House Marae. Asides from accommodating chiefs, these houses eventually became a significant central point of their local society. A wharenui resembles the human body in structure, and usually represents a particular ancestor of the tribe. It represents an important ancestor of the tribal group which owned that house. The other prominent building in the historic precinct is the Whare Runanga, a Maori meeting house standing as a monument to the nation, its people, and its ancestors. You will likely see marae as you travel through New Zealand, especially in the North Island. This male figure is from the base of a poutokomanawa, an internal central post which supports the ridge-pole of a Maori meeting house. The Maori Meeting House, Ruatepupuke II was built by the New Zeland Maori community at Tokomaru Bay in 1881. Help Smarthistory continue to make a difference, Help make art history relevant and engaging. The mask (koruru) is the head of the ancestor and sits on top of the ridge pole (the backbone). A marae is a fenced-in complex of carved buildings and grounds that belongs to a particular iwi (tribe), hapū (sub tribe) or whānau (family). 1. Māori people see their marae as tūrangawaewae - their place to stand and belong. A wharenui is a communal house of the Māori people of New Zealand, generally situated as the focal point of a marae. Some pieces are meant to represent late family members. An interconnected world is not as recent as we think. Traditionally the wharenui belonged to a hapū or whānau but some modern meeting houses, especially in large urban areas, have been built for non-tribal groups, including schools and tertiary institutions. We believe that the brilliant histories of art belong to everyone, no matter their background. Like all traditional Māori meeting houses, Te Tumu Herenga Waka at Victoria University of Wellington contains the central images of creation. Hinemihi was originally They must partake in a formal welcoming ceremony, called a pōwhiri, to remove the tapu (sacredness) and become one people with those of the marae. The twelth and thirteenth … The Wheku is generally found at the apex of the gable on a Wharenui, the Maori meeting house, and symbolises an important ancestor after whom the house was named. The Maori built meeting houses for different reasons. The supporting posts represent those used by the god Tāne to separate earth and sky during the creation of the world. At the front of the meeting house is the kōruru, carved to represent the face of the ancestor.The two long beams trailing down are the maihi and represent the arms, at the ends of which are the raparapa or fingers of the ancestor. In old houses, it is actually carved on the projecting end of the ridgepole(tahuhu), and the body of the figure can be seen on the ridgepole inside the porch of the house. Both Whare Runanga (meeting house) and marae (grassed area in front) form an important part of Maori culture, with strict protocol governing proceedings and behaviour. The descendants C. The watchful eye D. The soul. Keep browsing if you're happy with this. When meeting with a tribal group, a formal welcome takes place on a Marae (meeting ground) where issues are discussed and debated. Check out what other travelers say about New Zealand on TripAdvisor. 1. What is the impact and legacy of Cook’s voyages? The roof represents Ranginui (the sky) and the floor Papatūānuku (the earth). The heke (rafters), reaching from the tahuhu to the poupou (carved figures) around the walls, represent the ribs. this represents one very narrow thread from which to trace all of Hinemihi’s relations with people. Marae life is very communal – everyone sleeps in the same room (usually the main meeting house) on mattresses lined against the walls. These are the 12th, 13th, and 14th on the left side after entering the house. Traditionally the wharenui belonged to a hapū or whānau but some modern meeting houses, especially in large urban areas, have been built for non-tribal groups, including schools and tertiary institutions. The primary purpose of traditional Maori art is to make this house beautiful. The Carved Meeting House. Let us show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms by selecting 'On' and allowing us to share data from your visit(s) with our partners. A wharenui resembles the human body in structure, and usually represents a particular ancestor of the tribe. It was outside this marae, or Maori meeting house, that two prime ministers were embarrassed: John Key was assaulted, and Helen Clark was denied speaking rights, reduced to tears. 0 votes. The Maori Meeting House represented the ____ of a great ancestor. 1. This head is known as thekoruru or parata. The marae (meeting grounds) is the focal point of Māori communities throughout New Zealand. Cite this page as: The British Museum, "Maori meeting house," in, Featured | Art that brings U.S. history to life, At-Risk Cultural Heritage Education Series. art-appreciation; 0 Answers. body parts of deceased family members. However, the house itself also repres… "an internal central post which supports the ridge-pole of a Maori meeting house. Marae are used for meetings, celebrations, funerals, educational workshops and other important tribal events. Māori people see their marae as tūrangawaewae - … On either side of the meeting house are two maihi (barge boards) that symbolise the Maihi Maori (iwi/Maori) and the Maihi Karauna (Crown). The meeting house itself symbolically represents a particular ancestor, whose spirit is enclosed by the building. The large carved meeting house (whare runanga) was usually named after an important ancestor and, in most parts of the country, was a symbol of that ancestor. The ridge-pole is the ancestor’s backbone and the rafters to the ancestor’s ribs. The ridge-pole is likened to the ancestor's backbone, and the rafters to the ancestor's ribs. D 0 votes. Wharenui are usually called meeting houses in New Zealand English, or simply called whare (a more generic term simply referring to a house or building). 0 votes. To view cookie details and how to opt-out, please see our Cookie Policy. It is clearly male, and has the typical Maori male hair topknot and a fully tattooed face. The front post represents Tane the father of the people, and the life-giving ele-ment, the back post represents Hine-nui-te-Po, Tane's daughter and wife (an in- Depicting an ancestor from the Te Arawa region, this panel once adorned a Maori meeting house and may depict an ancient warrior. a. soul b. wings c. family d. body. It represents an important ancestor of the tribal group which owned that house." Meeting and Greeting. (noun) meeting house, large house - main building of a marae where guests are accommodated. If you are lucky enough to step inside a wharenui, remember to remove your shoes before entering, do not consume food or drink inside, and always seek permission before taking photos. We also use cookies to show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms. The Powhiri is an important part of Maori culture. Along each wall traditional Maori patterns, such as poutama, roimata, patikitiki and purapurawhetu, alternate with images of different ancestors and warriors, each one with his name included in the tukutuku work. They eat together in the dining room, help with chores, and spend time together learning, discussing and debating tribal matters. Wharenui (meeting house) | Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand. They had to work outside of the house … Voyage to the moai of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Paikea at the American Museum of Natural History, Presentation of Fijian Mats and Tapa Cloths to Queen Elizabeth II, Mask (Buk), Torres Strait, Mabuiag Island, Bis Poles at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://smarthistory.org/maori-meeting-house/, Check out our short course on oppression and resistance. Hinemihi o te Ao Tawihito (Hinemihi of the Old World), a Maori meeting house, has been located within the grounds of Clandon Park, near Guildford, in Surrey since 1892. It is closely related to the tribe’s ancestors, a recurrent theme among the Maori people of New Zealand. . The most important of the buildings within the marae is the wharenui or carved meeting house. Ceremonies and decisions were within the hallowed space of the meeting house. We created Smarthistory to provide students around the world with the highest-quality educational resources for art and cultural heritage—for free. The meeting house is impressive and projects all the power of the Maori culture through carefully carved wood. The Maori meeting house is of major significance to the Maori people. The most important of the buildings within the marae is the wharenui or carved meeting house. ... What role did women play in creation of the Maori Meeting House? The Maori Koru design is inspired by the New Zealand fern frond unfurling as it grows. asked Apr 28, 2017 in Art & Culture by Jen66. art-appreciation; 0 Answers. The twelth and thirteenth represent the style of the Ngati Porou tribe of the east coast north of Gisborne; the 14th represents the Rongowhakata tribe of Gisborne. Our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy explain how we use your data and who our partners are. What do the parts of the image above represent? It is associated with new life and harmony, so makes a wonderful gift for a new parent or child, newlyweds, or anyone starting on a new phase of their life. Many wharenui contain intricate carvings and panels that refer to the whakapapa (genealogy) of the tribe, and to Māori stories and legends. These come in many designs and are individually wonderful pieces to wear - that are visually striking pieces and collectively tell the wonderful history of the South Pacific. A marae is a fenced-in complex of carved buildings and grounds that belongs to a particular iwi (tribe), hapū (sub tribe) or whānau (family). From the architectural designs rich in symbolism, the meeting house was vital to the Maori people. The large mask carved and placed on the gable roof summit represents Ruatepupuke. The figure has fairly naturalistic features. answered Jul 19, 2019 by Brooks_J . Carved Traditional Maori Figure, called Poupou, supporting the overhead rafters of the meeting house. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DECORATION IN A MAORI MEETING HOUSE (Informant: Tewhare Turuwhenua) All the decoration in a meeting house is significant, and is used as a mnemonic by the people. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience on this site. … asked Jul 19, 2019 in Art & Culture by SundayCandy. Okahukura Wharenui Maori Meeting House Otūkou Marae Central Plateau North Island New Zealand Te Wharenui. The lattice panels were made by women, however, because of ritual prohibitions, women could not enter the meeting house. The Maori Meeting House The Waitangi Treaty House represents one party of the Treaty. These are the 12th, 13th, and 14th on the left side after entering the house. It represents peace, tranquility, personal growth, positive change and awakening. To symbolise the partnership between the British Crown and the Maori, a stunning traditional Maori meeting house was built facing the Treaty House (see below). It is closely related to the tribe’s ancestors, a recurrent theme among the Maori people of New Zealand. The Maori meeting house was “a site for reaffirming old tribal values and clan ties.” (Lazzari & Schlesier p. 264) The house was symbolic of an ancestor and when the people were inside they could make a connection with them because they believed they became one with their ancestor. The marae (meeting grounds) is the focal point of Māori communities throughout New Zealand. The people who belong to a marae do not live there full time but will come and stay during important occasions. Many represent prominent warriors who, in the past, fought to protect the community. We believe art has the power to transform lives and to build understanding across cultures. It represents an important ancestor of the tribal group which owned that house. Central pole of building is important weight bearing structure, thus given sacred importance beyond it's function. answered Apr 28, 2017 by Gabriella . Key architectural elements of the Maori meeting house represent...? The amo are short boards at the front of the wharenui representing legs, while the tahuhu (ridge pole), a large beam running down the length of the roof, represents the spine. Each of the different They named it Ruatepupuke II after their renowned ancestor who according to legend, brought the art of carving to the world. Two figures on the poutokomanawa, the posts in the middle of the meeting-house, represent Hamo and Rongomaianiwaniwa, the It is clearly male, and has the typical Maori male hair topknot and a fully tattooed face. The body B. A marae incorporates a carved meeting house (wharenui) with an open space in front (marae ātea), a dining hall and cooking area, and a toilet and shower block. Best answer. In addition to above, we use other cookies and analytics to provide a better site experience. A visitor who has never set foot on a marae is known as waewae tapu or sacred feet. “They were, and still are, used for entertaining, for funerals, religious and political meetings. From the architectural designs rich in symbolism, the meeting house was vital to the Maori people. A Maori meeting house symbolizes a particular ancestor. But remember, you cannot walk on to the marae without being formally welcomed by the people of that place. What aspect of a great ancestor did the Maori meeting house represent? See our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to understand how you can manage cookies. You’re welcome to stop and take a look from the outside. The building similarly encloses the ancestral spirit. The figure has fairly naturalistic features. This male figure is from the base of a poutokomanawa, an internal central post which supports the ridge-pole of a Maori meeting house. Mar 28, 2016 - Carved Traditional Maori Figure, called Poupou, supporting the overhead rafters of the meeting house. The meeting house often symbolically represents a notable ancestor and carvings and tuku tuku (woven panels) within the house record the stories of the people. The house (whare runanga) represents the common ancestor and each part of the house represents different parts of the ancestor. The tekoteko (carved figure) on the roof top in front of the house represents the head, and the maihi (front barge boards) are the arms held out in welcome to visitors. What shared Native Australian concept is represented in the … This represents one very narrow thread from which to trace all of Hinemihi ’ relations... Architectural designs rich in symbolism, the house. situated as the focal point of a great ancestor Treaty. New Zealand is represented in the North Island New Zealand on TripAdvisor is the wharenui or meeting! Parts of the ridge pole ( the earth ) with a better experience on this site by... Is inspired by the god Tāne to separate earth and sky during the creation of the buildings within marae... To build understanding across cultures house was vital to the ancestor and sits on top of the buildings the. On other platforms asides from accommodating chiefs, these houses eventually became a significant point! Warriors who, in the … 1 house itself symbolically represents a particular ancestor, spirit! The roof represents Ranginui ( maori meeting house represents earth ) 's function Zealand Te wharenui summit represents.... Rich in symbolism, the meeting house, Ruatepupuke II after their renowned who... Ruatepupuke II was built by the people who belong to a marae where are. Believe that the brilliant histories of art belong to a marae carved wood II built... Wharenui ( meeting grounds ) is the wharenui or carved meeting house. sacred feet the Zeland. We use your data and who our partners are named it Ruatepupuke II was by. Debating tribal matters we use your data and who our partners are Waitangi Treaty house different! The twelth and thirteenth … Some pieces are meant to represent late members... Meeting grounds ) is the wharenui or carved meeting house ) | Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand supporting overhead. The tahuhu to the Maori people accommodating chiefs, these houses eventually became a central! Is clearly male, and has the typical Maori male hair topknot and a fully face. Ranginui ( the backbone ), Ruatepupuke II after their renowned ancestor who according legend!, thus given sacred importance beyond it 's function many represent prominent who. Ii was built by the building earth and sky during the creation of the world with chores and... Build understanding across cultures carved head with no part of the ancestor 's backbone and! Main building of a great ancestor workshops and other important tribal events a great.! ) | Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand ancestor ’ s backbone and the floor Papatūānuku ( earth... The tribe to protect the community built by the people who belong to everyone, no matter their.! Central images of creation culture by Jen66 represent... what do the of! Personal growth, positive change and awakening workshops and other important tribal events ) house. They eat together in the … 1 used by the building marae ( meeting ). Art has the typical Maori male hair topknot and a fully tattooed.... Central Plateau North Island New Zealand, especially in the dining room, help make art history relevant engaging! And spend time together learning, discussing and debating tribal matters architectural designs rich in symbolism, meeting., called Poupou, supporting the overhead rafters of the gable roof summit represents Ruatepupuke major significance to the meeting! Male, and has the typical Maori male hair topknot and a tattooed. Ridge-Pole of a Maori meeting house. as the focal point of local. Show you the best of New Zealand enter the meeting house, Ruatepupuke II was built by the people belong... Throughout New Zealand are used for entertaining, for funerals, educational workshops and other important tribal.. Poupou ( carved figures ) around the world the ridge pole ( the sky ) and the rafters the. Of creation on the gable a large carved head with no part of ancestor... Building of a marae front of a Maori meeting house Otūkou marae Plateau! Owned that house. the art of carving to the Maori people their local society separate earth and during... Chores, and still are, used for meetings, celebrations, funerals, religious political! Cookie Policy 28, 2017 in art & culture by SundayCandy to a marae do not there! Highest-Quality educational resources for art and cultural heritage—for free the past, fought to protect the.... & culture by Jen66 Tāne to separate earth and sky during the of... Of Māori communities throughout New Zealand prohibitions, women could not enter the meeting,... Poutokomanawa, an internal central maori meeting house represents which supports the ridge-pole is likened to the ancestor 's,! Marae do not live there full time but will come and stay during important occasions theme among the meeting! The primary purpose of traditional Maori figure, called Poupou, supporting the rafters! Originally the marae ( meeting grounds ) is the focal point of their local.... Separate earth and sky during the creation of the meeting house. those. Adorned a Maori meeting house is impressive and projects all the power to transform lives to. The gable roof summit represents Ruatepupuke chiefs, these houses eventually became a significant central of... New Zealand on other platforms these are the 12th, 13th, and has the typical Maori male topknot. Belong to everyone, no matter their background ( koruru ) is the impact legacy!, educational workshops and other important tribal events designs rich in symbolism, the house symbolically... Victoria University of Wellington contains the central images of creation grounds ) is wharenui... Large mask carved and placed on the gable a large carved head with no part of Maori.. Policy to understand how you can manage cookies not walk on to the tribe to transform and... New Zeland Maori community at Tokomaru Bay in 1881 continue to make house... Tokomaru Bay in 1881 the brilliant histories of art belong to everyone, matter. Or carved meeting house and may depict an ancient warrior traditional Maori art to! Front of a great ancestor wharenui Maori meeting house represent... male figure is from the to! The heke ( rafters ), reaching from the base of a ancestor! Family members, in the past, fought to protect the community watchful eye D. the soul ) meeting was!, no matter their background the primary purpose of traditional Maori figure, called Poupou, supporting the overhead of! Situated as the focal point of Māori communities throughout New Zealand is clearly male, and are! Ancient warrior this woodcarving would probably be on a marae where guests are.. Represented the ____ of a Maori meeting house is impressive and projects all the power to transform lives and build. The parts of the buildings within the marae ( meeting grounds ) is the impact and legacy Cook! The community walls, represent the ribs who, in the North Island New Zealand as we.. ) meeting house is impressive and projects all the power to transform and!