These three rua kūmara (kūmara storage pits) were still in use when this photo was taken in 1930. They were dug into the side of earth banks at Ruatāhuna, Urewera, with wooden doorways and reinforcing added. When placing kūmara in the pit, great care was taken not break the skins, to avoid decay. The rua kūmara preserved the crop, and offered protection against pests and thieves.
Using this item
Alexander Turnbull Library, Albert Percy Godber Collection (PA-Group-00048)
Reference:
G-1682-1/2-APG
Photograph by Albert Percy Godber
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.
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