Story: Tangaroa – the sea

Tekoteko

Tekoteko

This tekoteko (carved figure on the gable of a house), on the ancestral house of Te Herenga Waka marae, is of Kupe, who is said to have discovered New Zealand. Some believe that the first tekoteko was the immobilised figure of Te Manuhauturuki, whom Tangaroa placed at the top of his wharenui (meeting house). Subsequently, tekoteko are an important part of wharenui.

Using this item

Te Tumu Herenga Waka Marae, Victoria University of Wellington

All rights to images of this marae are held by Te Tumu Herenga Waka Marae, Victoria University of Wellington

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How to cite this page:

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, 'Tangaroa – the sea - Ruatepupuke and the origin of carving', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/7401/tekoteko (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 12 Jun 2006