Tools:
* Stone adzes (tōki): These were the primary tools for shaping wood. They were made from various types of volcanic rock, often jade (pounamu) or basalt, and were shaped and sharpened with other stones. The adze head was attached to a wooden handle with a lashing of flax or other tough materials. Different shapes and sizes were used for specific tasks.
* Chisels (tāwha): Similar to adzes, chisels were used to shape and carve wood. They were typically made from bone or wood, but sometimes stone.
* Knives (kō): Made from obsidian or other sharp stones, these were used for carving, cutting, and skinning.
* Wooden wedges (pātiki): Used for splitting logs.
* Flax (harakeke): This versatile plant provided numerous materials, including strong fibers for lashings, ropes, and mats for lining the foundations.
* Other materials: Māori also used other materials for specific tasks, like bone for scraping and sharpening, shell for inlays, and clay for sealing and binding.
Building Techniques:
Māori used their tools and knowledge of wood to build their marae. Here's a simplified overview:
1. Foundation: Large posts were driven into the ground to support the structure, often strengthened with additional cross-beams and lashings.
2. Framing: Uprights and rafters were carefully crafted and joined together with intricate lashings, often employing techniques like mortise and tenon joints.
3. Roofing: The roof was constructed using woven flax mats or thatch (from plants like toetoe or kākaha), supported by the rafters.
4. Interior & Exterior: The interior and exterior walls were often decorated with carvings (whakairo), symbols (tohu), and intricate patterns, further reflecting their cultural values and beliefs.
Specific Tools:
* Tōki (adze): Different types were used for specific tasks:
* Tōki rua, the most common type, was used for general shaping.
* Tōki tata, a smaller adze, was used for fine carving.
* Tōki whāriki, a broad adze, was used for shaping large surfaces.
* Tāwha (chisel): These were used for finer carving and detail work, often with specific shapes for different tasks.
* Kō (knife): Used for various purposes including carving, cutting, skinning, and preparing food.
* Pātiki (wooden wedges): Used to split logs for building materials.
Importance of Knowledge:
It's essential to note that building a marae was not just about the tools, but also about the immense knowledge, skill, and cultural understanding of the Māori people. They understood the properties of different woods, the strength of various materials, and the art of lashing and joining them together. This knowledge was passed down through generations, ensuring the continued tradition of building these remarkable structures.