task 4

I decided to research the Maori meeting house {Marae}, because the Marae is a major part of the Maori culture. The Marae is a place of belonging of the Māori people. In the Marae official functions take place, such as : celebrations, weddings, christenings, tribal reunions, funerals.

                             

These are the different areas of the marae, From the top, the tekoteko (carved figure) on the roof top in front means the ancestor head, the maihi (carved angles from the head down towards the ground) means the arms, the tahuhu or taahu (the ridge pole down the centre of the building) is seen as the backbone and the heke (rafters) reaching from the tahuhu to the poupou (carved figures around the walls) represent the ribs. The poupou are normally carved ancestors representing other tribes. Poupou gives a feeling of belonging. The uprights, normally two holding up the tahuhu, symbolizes  connection between Rangi, the sky father and Papatūānuku, the earth mother.  I have visited a Marae in Rotorua and I have discuss with person from that marae about the importance of the meeting house and I was interested in finding out more information about the poupou.

The tangata whenua (person from the marae) informed me that this poupou is her ancestor (Hurunga-te rangi) who was the chief of the area. i have learnt so much about the marae and the Maori culture. I would like to continue learning about the marae, protocols and culture.