This diagram illustrates the relationship between the primal gods and the wharenui. Papatūānuku, the earth mother, is depicted as the floor, while the roof is depicted as Ranginui, the sky father. The posts between the floor and the ceiling represent the posts used in the creation story by Tāne to separate his parents, Papatūānuku and Ranginui – which gave rise to one of his names: Tāne-toko-rangi (Tāne who propped up the sky).
Using this item
Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Source: Tane-nui-a-Rangi. Auckland: University of Auckland, 1988
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.