Vocab for Te Whare Whakairo

Amo: Carved posts supporting maihi. Symbolically, the connection between Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother.

Heke: Rafters. Symbollically, ribs.

Hono: Connect.

Kanohi: Face.

Kōrupe (also Pare): Carved lintel of doorway.

Koruru: Face of the ancestor. At the top of the maihi, below the tekoteko.

Kuaha: Carved doorway.

Mahau: Porch.

Maihi: Bargeboards, symbolically the arms of the ancestor.

Paepae: Board across the front of the house.

Poupou: Side posts. Symbolically these are various important ancestors.

Raparapa: End of the bargeboards, symbolically the hands and lower arms of the ancestor.

Tahu (also Tahuhu): Ridge of house. Symbolically, the backbone.

Tekoteko: Guardian figure which stands at the top of the house, above the koruru.

Waewae: Side pillars of doorway.

Whare Whakairo: Carved house.

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Copyright © 1999, 2001 Gavin Kingsley. This page last updated 10 February 2001. Contact me.