Story: Cards, board games and puzzles

Rua Kēnana's temple, 1908

Rua Kēnana's temple, 1908

The magnificent circular temple at Maungapōhatu, in the depths of the Urewera forest, was the heart of the religious community formed by the Tūhoe prophet Rua Kēnana. He is seen on the high platform at right (third from left) with several of his wives. Named Hiona (Zion), the temple was built by Rua's followers in 1907 and painted with a playing-card design of yellow diamonds and blue clubs, which had religious symbolic meanings.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-002915-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Mark Derby, 'Cards, board games and puzzles - Māori use of games', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/38889/rua-kenanas-temple-1908 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Mark Derby, published 5 Sep 2013