Story: Rural mythologies

Taumata atua

Taumata atua

Taumata atua (resting place of gods) were tapu stones placed in kūmara fields to increase the productivity of the crop. They represented Rongo, the Māori god of agriculture.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: MA_I029479

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'Rural mythologies - First traditions', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/20294/taumata-atua (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 24 Nov 2008