Materials:
* Timber: They used native trees like totara, rimu, and kauri, which were strong and durable.
* Thatch: The most common roofing material was harakeke (flax), woven into thick mats. Other materials like reeds, ferns, and grasses were also used.
* Stone: For some houses, especially those in colder climates, they used stone for walls or foundations.
* Earth: Clay and mud were often used for walls, floors, and even roofs.
* Bone: The Maori used bone for tools and sometimes decorative elements on houses.
Construction:
1. Framing: They used sturdy posts as supports and beams to create a framework.
2. Walls: Wattle and daub was a common technique. They intertwined branches or twigs (wattle) and plastered them with mud or clay (daub).
3. Roofing: Thatch was carefully woven into large mats and laid over the frame. The mats were secured with flax ropes.
4. Interior: Floors were often made of packed earth or woven mats. They used fire to smoke-cure the interior for warmth and preservation.
Types of Houses:
* Whare whakairo (carved house): Large, elaborately carved houses used for ceremonies and gatherings.
* Whare puni (sleeping house): Smaller houses used for sleeping and everyday activities.
* Whare pā (fortified house): Houses designed for defense, with strong walls and strategic placement.
* Whare tapere (meeting house): Used for meetings, feasts, and entertainment.
Cultural Significance:
* Carving: Intricate carvings on houses represented their history, genealogy, and beliefs.
* Placement: The placement of the house was important, often facing east to welcome the rising sun.
* Sustainability: The Maori carefully selected materials and used traditional techniques that minimized impact on the environment.
Modern Context:
While modern Maori homes now use modern construction techniques, the traditional methods and principles of whare building continue to be respected and honored. These traditions represent the enduring connection between the Maori people and their land, and their rich cultural heritage.