Story: Tangaroa – the sea

Carved exterior

Carved exterior

Ruatepupuke rescued the exterior carvings of Tangaroa’s underwater house and brought them back to dry land. They were used as a template for all future carvings, such as these in the porch of the meeting house at Te Herenga Waka marae.

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

All images & media in this story

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/7403/carved-exterior (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 12 Jun 2006