Marae Basics
A special gathering place that is the center of Māori culture and community life
Marae
The literal English translation for the word wharenui
Large house
The building on the marae specifically used for eating and socialising
Wharekai
The open, cleared space located directly in front of the wharenui
Marae ātea
The word for the window of the wharenui
Matapihi
The traditional ceremony used to welcome visitors onto the marae with respect
Pōwhiri
This part of the wharenui roof represents the ancestor's spine
Ridge beam
This carved gateway marks the entrance to the marae
Waharoa
This is the specific area where speakers sit and deliver their speeches during a welcome
Paepae
The Māori word for the door
Kūaha
Name an event that might be held at a marae
Tangihanga (funeral processes)
Weddings
Celebrations, whānau fatherings
Memorial services / unveilings
Wānanga
These represent the ancestor's ribs reaching down from the spine
Rafters
What is the literal English translation of the word waharoa?
Wide mouth
The term used for visitors who are being welcomed onto the marae
Manuhiri
The carved figure at the very top of the gable representing the head
Tekoteko
This term refers to the local people who act as hosts and welcome visitors
Tangata whenua
Name a type of toi Māori / Māori art form found inside wharenui.
They might tell stories of migrations, battles, and genealogy
Tukutuku panels
Whakairo / carvings
Kōwhaiwhai
The wharekai usually represents who?
A female leader of the iwi or hapū
The marae ātea is connected to this Māori god of war and human activity
Tū
Tūmatauenga
The carved lintel located directly above the door
Pare
What is the name for Māori customs and traditions passed down to younger generations?
Tikanga
Name the "arms" of the ancestor represented by the front bargeboards
Maihi
The waharoa serves as a symbolic threshold between the everyday world and what?
A sacred or spiritual space
Because of its connection to Tūmatauenga, the marae ātea is a space for...
Debate
Challenge
The projected carved ends of the bargeboards (arms)
Raparapa