Religious and Spiritual Activities:
* Praying and offering to the gods: Marae were the center of religious life for Māori. People would gather to pray to their gods, make offerings, and perform rituals.
* Performing karakia (chants and prayers): These chants were used to invoke spirits, seek protection, or express gratitude.
* Conducting tangi (mourning ceremonies): Marae were also used for tangi, where people would come together to grieve the loss of a loved one and perform rituals to honor their memory.
* Celebrating significant events: Marae were used for celebrating births, weddings, and other important events in the community.
Community Activities:
* Gathering for meetings and discussions: Marae were used as meeting places for the community to discuss important issues, make decisions, and plan future activities.
* Hosting feasts and celebrations: People would gather on the marae for feasts, where they would share food and celebrate important events.
* Teaching and sharing knowledge: Marae were also used as places to teach young people about their culture, history, and traditions.
* Engaging in games and sports: Games like "ki o rahi" and "titi toa" were often played on the marae, providing opportunities for entertainment and competition.
Other Activities:
* Crafting and weaving: People would use the marae as a space to craft and weave items like mats, baskets, and clothing.
* Preparing food: Marae were often used for preparing food for feasts and celebrations.
* Maintaining the marae: The marae was considered a sacred space and people would work together to maintain its cleanliness and upkeep.
It's important to remember that life in 1810 was not a single, uniform experience. The specific activities that took place on a marae would have varied depending on the location, tribe, and time of year. However, the marae remained a central hub for religious, social, and cultural life for Māori.