Waharoa
Creator: Kawana Wallace
Date of Creation: Jun 2023
Description: A waharoa is a traditional Māori gateway or entranceway, often found at the entrance to a marae (a communal or sacred place that serves both religious and social purposes). These impressive structures are richly carved and symbolize the boundary between the everyday world and the sacred space of the marae. The carvings on a waharoa typically depict ancestral figures and cultural stories, representing the identity and history of the local iwi (tribe). As a focal point of cultural expression and artistry, waharoa play a significant role in Māori heritage and community.
