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Māori Wharenui Art Stories
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Māori Wharenui Art Stories
🏛️ Part 1: Understanding the Wharenui
1. What is a wharenui? Circle the best answer:
A small storage shed
A big house that holds stories and ancestors
A modern office building
A school classroom
2. Match the Māori art forms with their descriptions:
1. Pou
2. Tukutuku
3. Whakairo
A. Decorative woven panels with patterns
B. Carved posts representing ancestors
C. Carvings showing important events
3. Fill in the blanks about the wharenui:
The wharenui is found on a __________ and serves as a place where __________ and whakapapa are shared. The carved __________ protect the building and represent our __________.
🎨 Part 2: Art Forms and Storytelling
4. Which of these are ways that stories are told in the wharenui? Check all that apply:
Through carved pou
Through tukutuku patterns
Through whakairo carvings
Through television screens
Through painted designs
5. What does whakapapa mean? Circle the correct answer:
A type of food
Family connections and genealogy
A musical instrument
A type of dance
6. Explain why it's important to preserve stories through art:
✏️ Part 3: Design Your Own Story Symbol
7. Design a simple tukutuku pattern or carved symbol that represents something important to you or your whānau. Draw it in the box below:
8. Describe the story or meaning behind your design:
9. What colours would you use in your design and why?
🗣️ Part 4: Reflection and Connection
10. How do you think the wharenui helps bring communities together?
11. Complete this sentence: "Art is important for storytelling because..."
12. If you could add one story to a wharenui, what would it be about?
13. Circle the values that are important in Māori culture and the wharenui:
Whakapapa (family connections)
Mana (spiritual power)
Competition
Whakatōhea (unity)
Individual success only
About This Worksheet
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