1. Whare (General dwelling):
* Whare Pā (Fortified dwelling): These were large, communal houses built within pā (fortified villages) for protection against enemies. They could house up to 100 people.
* Whare Moana (Coastal dwelling): These were smaller, more portable homes built near the coast, often by families or small groups.
* Whare Kura (School house): These were used for teaching and learning, often in the evenings by firelight.
* Whare Tapere (Meeting house): These were used for ceremonies, gatherings, and performances.
2. Whare Ruru (Storehouse): These were used to store food, tools, and other valuables. They were often raised off the ground to prevent pests and moisture.
3. Whare Manu (Bird snare): These were used to catch birds.
4. Whare Umu (Cooking shelter): This was a simple shelter built over an earth oven (umu) to provide warmth and shelter for the cooking process.
Common features of Maori shelters:
* Materials: Most shelters were built using natural materials like timber, flax, reeds, and thatch.
* Shape: The most common shape was rectangular with a sloping roof.
* Construction: Whare were often constructed using a frame of upright posts and horizontal beams, which were then covered with woven flax mats (whata) and thatch.
* Interior: The interior of a whare was usually divided into different areas for sleeping, cooking, and storage.
It's important to note that:
* Different regions of New Zealand had slightly different building traditions and materials.
* The specific type of shelter used by a group depended on their needs, resources, and location.
The Māori people were skilled craftspeople and their shelters were not just functional, but also beautiful and symbolic.