These tōtara logs are an important element of a prophecy by Te Mātenga Tāmati from Ngāti Kahungunu. In 1894 he announced a vision for the Tabernacle of David. The 12 logs were cut from trees in Wairoa, each one representing one of the 12 children of Jacob in the Old Testament. A flood brought all but one log to the chosen site as he prophesied. It is said the logs await the person who will complete the building of the tabernacle.
Using this item
Reference: Bronwyn Elsmore, Te Kohititanga Mārama = New moon, new world : the religion of Matenga Tamati. Reed Publishing: Auckland, 1998, p.47
Source: Bronwyn Elsmore, Te kohititanga mārama, new moon, new world: the religion of Matenga Tamati. Auckland: Reed, 1998, p. 47.
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.