Story: Te Ao Mārama – the natural world

Wharenui doorway

Wharenui doorway

The marae is an open space or gathering place, generally in front of a meeting house (wharenui). This area was seen as being divided between Te Ao Mārama (the world of light) outside and Te Pō (darkness) inside. The doorway, such as this one at Wellington’s Te Herenga Waka marae, represents the transition point between the two worlds.

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, 'Te Ao Mārama – the natural world - The world of light and darkness', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/7959/wharenui-doorway (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 24 Sep 2007