tonganswaggr:
#newzealand #maori #marae #tiki #polynesia (Taken with instagram)
For Naynay: This is the inside of a Whare Nui (big house) on a Marae (family homestead). It is a traditional Meeting house. Each family (actually groups of families) have their own Meeting houses. This could consist of hundreds or even thousands of direct descendants from one family. The Whare Nui is a place where family (extended or otherwise) gather for functions like reunions, gatherings, funerals, weddings etc.
The Carvings are ornate and pertain to the people of that area. Each carved panel represents our ancestors or a story from that district. (a bit like the genealogy in the bible) except our people spoke through the medium of art, not the written language.