Story: Whanganui region
The descendants of Turi, captain of the Aotea canoe, intermarried with the descendants of Rauru Kītahi, and became known as Ngā Rauru Kītahi. Turi is the top figure in this carving. In tradition, a great greenstone adze named Te Āwhiorangi was passed down to him through his ancestors, from the god Tāne. Tāne had used it to cut the sinews binding Ranginui (the sky) and Papatūānuku (the earth). In Turi’s time it was used to fashion the Aotea, which brought Turi and his people to New Zealand.
About this item
Te Tumu Herenga Waka Marae, Victoria University of Wellington
Photograph
All rights to images of this marae are held by Te Tumu Herenga Waka Marae, Victoria University of Wellington