Wharenui

We are learning about a wharenui (far-ear-noo-ee).

A wharenui is the meeting house on the Marae.

It is not just a house, it represents their ancestor. The Maori face carving at the top is the face of the ancestor. The front is his arms and hands reaching down to welcome us in.

Alex is helping us learn about the different parts of the wharenui.



When you walk inside you are entering the body of the ancestor. The ridge across the top of the ceiling is his backbone, the rafters coming down are the ribcage.

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