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.