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Story: Kaitiakitanga – guardianship and conservation

Mauri stone

Mauri stone

This mauri stone depicts Horoirangi, a female ancestor in the Rotorua area. Such stones were believed to maintain mauri (life force) in areas which provided food. Horoirangi was carved into a cliff face to preserve the fertility of her people’s lands. Later the stone was removed from the cliff so it would not be stolen.

About this item

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira

Permission of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

How to cite this page:

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal. 'Kaitiakitanga – guardianship and conservation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 25-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/kaitiakitanga-guardianship-and-conservation/3/3