Structure of The Wharenui
The building often symbolises an ancestor of the wharenui's tribe. So different parts of the building refer to body parts of that ancestor.
The koruru at the point of the gable on the front of the wharenui can represent the ancestor's head. The maihi are the diagonal bargeboards and signify arms, the ends of the maihi are called raparapa, meaning "fingers". The tāhuhu (ridge beam) represents the backbone, the heke or rafters signify ribs. Internally, the poutokomanawa is the central column and can be interpreted as the heart.
Other important components of the wharenui are the amo, the vertical supports that hold up the ends of the maihi. The poupou, or wall carving underneath the verandah. The kūwaha or front door, along with the pare or door lintel. The paepae is the horizontal element on the ground at the front of the wharenui, and acts as the threshold of the building.
The marae ātea, is an important open space directly in front of the wharenui, and is used to welcome visitors onto the marae. It's also used as an area to debate issues.
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