Marae Collection

New Zealand, North Island, Rotorua, Ohinemutu, Maori village, sculptures on Marae, meeting house

Human sacrifice in a sacred marae, Tahiti
Human sacrifice in a sacred marae (Morai) or cemetery, Tahiti. Drummers at left, a hog-tied victim and two grave diggers digging a grave before a pile of human skulls and quivers of arrows

Marae and Altar at Huahine, Society Islands (engraving)
3655921 Marae and Altar at Huahine, Society Islands (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Marae and Altar at Huahine, Society Islands)

Ohinemutu Maori Village, Lake Rotorua and waterfront, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand

Maori meeting house, Kaitaia, North Island, New Zealand
A traditional Maori meeting house (or Marae) at Kaitaia, near Pukepoto, in the far north of the North Island, New Zealand. It is decorated with distinctive red carvings

Mont Saint Michel
Le Mont-Saint-Michel and this fortifications, abbey and monastery in Normandy

Maori meeting house, Wairoa, North Island, New Zealand
A Maori Marae or meeting house in Wairoa, Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand. It is decorated with traditional Maori sculptures

Maori carving, Coromandel, North Island, New Zealand
A Maori carving over the entrance to a Marae (meeting place or house) in Kennedy Bay, Coromandel, North Island, New Zealand

Marae, Torere, Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand, Pacific

Entrance to a Maori meeting hall, Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House, one of the largest marae in N.Z. Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand, Pacific

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In the heart of New Zealand's North Island lies Rotorua, a city known for its rich Maori heritage and cultural significance. One of the most captivating sites in this region is Ohinemutu, a traditional Maori village that boasts an awe-inspiring marae. The marae, or temple, in Ohinemutu stands as a testament to the deep-rooted spirituality and reverence of the Maori people. Adorned with intricate sculptures depicting ancestral figures and mythical creatures, it serves as a sacred gathering place for ceremonies and rituals. Similar they can be found across Polynesia, such as Arahurahu in Tahiti's Society Islands. These ancient structures hold great historical importance and are often associated with legends of human sacrifice. Another notable marae is located near the picturesque village of Maeva on Lake Fauna Nui's shores. This Polynesian sacred site exudes tranquility amidst lush surroundings, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries-old traditions. Huahine's Marae and Altar in the Society Islands further exemplify the grandeur of these spiritual sanctuaries. Engravings etched onto stone surfaces tell stories passed down through generations, preserving their cultural heritage for all to appreciate. Back in Rotorua's Ohinemutu Village itself, you can witness firsthand how seamlessly tradition blends with modernity. The vibrant community thrives against the backdrop of Lake Rotorua's serene waterfront – truly an enchanting sight to behold. While reminiscent of Mont Saint Michel’s architectural marvels due to its impressive scale and beauty, Ohinemutu offers something unique – an authentic experience steeped in Maori culture that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Beyond Rotorua lie other remarkable examples like Kaitaia’s Maori meeting house on New Zealand’s North Island or Wairoa’s equally stunning structure.