whare (traditional Māori houses)

Whare are traditional Māori houses that served as meeting places, homes, or ceremonial sites within Māori communities. Constructed using natural materials like wood, tōtara or raupō reeds, they feature a post-and-beam structure with woven walls and thatched or bark roofs. Whare are designed to reflect cultural symbolism and social hierarchy, often decorated with carvings and artwork that tell stories or represent ancestors. They are central to Māori cultural identity, used for gatherings, rituals, and community activities, embodying principles of kinship, spirituality, and connection to the land.