1. Whare Ruru (Sleeping House):
* Structure: Rectangular with a steep, gabled roof supported by posts.
* Materials: Woven flax mats (whata) for walls and roof, sometimes with additional layers of bark or reeds.
* Function: Primarily for sleeping and other private activities.
2. Whare Pā (Meeting House):
* Structure: Larger and more elaborate, often incorporating carved ornamentation, including the tukutuku panels and hauhau, which signified tribal identity.
* Materials: Same as whare ruru, but with larger timbers for the frame and more elaborate decorations.
* Function: Used for gatherings, ceremonies, and tribal meetings.
3. Whare Kāinga (Family House):
* Structure: Similar to whare ruru, but with a smaller size and less elaborate details.
* Materials: Same as whare ruru, but with a focus on functionality rather than ornate design.
* Function: For daily living, cooking, and family activities.
4. Whare Kura (School House):
* Structure: Similar to a whare ruru, but with an open area in the center for the children to gather.
* Materials: Same as other whare, with additional mats used to create seating and dividers.
* Function: Used for teaching and learning, with the open space allowing for multiple activities to happen simultaneously.
5. Whare Tapu (Sacred House):
* Structure: Could be a small, separate structure or a designated area within a larger house.
* Materials: Often used for religious objects and artifacts, materials could be more ornate and decorated.
* Function: Dedicated to spiritual practices and rituals, access was usually restricted.
Other Important Features:
* Hangi: A traditional Maori cooking method using an underground oven heated by hot stones.
* Pā: Fortified villages often built on hilltops or strategic locations, containing multiple whare and defensive structures.
* Marae: A sacred meeting ground and place of gathering for tribal members, often featuring a whare p ā as the central structure.
It's important to remember that these are just some of the many types of Maori houses that existed. Each tribe had its own unique traditions and styles, and the specific design and materials used varied greatly depending on the environment and available resources.