Rarohenga

According to the traditional Māori mythology, the art of carving, weaving, and tattooing were not born of the human world. In 'The Lore of the Warewananga' (1913), the translated teachings of two distinguished Tohunga, state how the generous offerings of celestial wisdom represent the tender connection of the Māori to this spiritual world. This is represented in the myth of Mataora, as the story emphasises the importance of the underworld's Gods and spirits (atua) to modern Māori culture. Tā Moko The tā moko (or 'kauae' for women) is a sacred facial tattoo still frequently practiced in Māori society. Its name is derived from the mythological figure 'Atua Rūaumoko' – the latest child of Ranginui et Papatūānuku of Rarohenga. The origin of the art is recorded in several variations. However, its conception is most commonly regarded as derivative of the Mataora myth. In this famous legend, the wisdom and knowledge of the permanent tattoo (tā moko) was gifted to humankind by the celestial Rangatira, Uetonga. It is explained that up until that point, Māori civilisation had only practiced the application of temporary tattoo. This was known as 'hopara makaurangi', and was achieved with soot, blue clay or red ochre. Uetonga would explain to Mataora the "worthlessness" of his temporary tattoo by wiping his hand across it and embarrassing Mataora by declaring it had no "mana" – meaning no honour, prestige, or authority. Uetonga agreed and taught Mataora the underworld's design of the nostrils (pōngiangia), the line tattooing of the eyebrows (tīwhana), the designs encompassing the mouth (pīhere), and the upper part of the nose (ngu). Weaving, ornamental patterns, and finger-twining Like the tā moko, the art of weaving was another artistic gift received from Rarohenga. Ornamental patterns and finger-twinning were also acquired from Mataora's time in Rarohenga, and would too circulate heavily into Māori culture, art, and design. Tribal woodcarving Although the narrative of 'Ruatepupuke' is the most commonly accepted origin story of tribal woodcarving (whakairo) – Māori ethnographer Elsdon Best's translations of the Mataora myth suggest the influence of Rarohenga's entities in the cultural and artistic development of woodcarving practiced today. Uetonga reiterated to Mataora the necessary adaption of painting and "carving". His insight expressed that the temporary tattoo seen on Mataora's face, should be used for woodcarving and design found in buildings. == Myth and origin ==

Origin The origin of Rarohenga, like many other Māori rituals and beliefs, is derivative of Polynesian mythology. According to such mythology, Hawaiki represents the origin of all Polynesian people and where they return after death. held by the Māori was directed into the belief of Rarohenga. However, the Sky World or The Summit of Heavens is not as widely known or recorded as Rarohenga in traditional accounts. Post-colonisation When examining the mythology of Rarohenga, it is common for inconsistencies to arise between the oral stories, written accounts, and contemporary knowledge. Herbert Williams commented on this action, in reference to the famous Māori translator John White, as an academic act of "unpardonable recklessness". As stated by Māori ethnographer Elsden Best: "Māori folk adapted the myths and teachings of Christianity. This is where ideas of the spirits of the evil person going to the underworld, and those good ascending to the heavens, crept into statements. Such beliefs were unbeknown to the Māori in pre-missionary days". Smith recorded that spirits who conducted evil would be eternally punished and presided over by malicious spirits (Whiro-te-tipua) in Rarohenga. Whereas the "good" spirits would ascend to the mountain of 'Tawhiti-nui' and enter a realm of eternal reward. Critics such as Jahnke argue this as an example of cultural accommodation and assimilation to the Eurocentric belief of the afterlife that divides souls as good or evil. == Primary deities ==

Within Rarohenga, several Guardians, Gods and Goddesses have been recorded to occupy the realm. This includes: == Geography ==

The Māori hold a deep connection to the land (whenua), which is evident in the continued, spiritual significance of real-world locations because of their role in the soul's journey to Rarohenga. Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) is one of the most well-known spiritual sites in New Zealand. Mythology proposes that here the spirit descends into the underworld by sliding down the root of a tree into the sea. The spirit then travels underwater to the Three Kings Islands, where they climb the highest point of the island and bid their last goodbye to the human world. Explorer, Māori scholar and interpreter, Edward Shortland describes this location as a place where the spirit arrives at two hills after travelling northward. These hills are 'Wai-hokimai' and 'Wai-otioti', where the spirit strips off its worldly clothes, and finally turn its back on the land of the living. Shortland states, "there are two long straight roots, the lower extremities of which are concealed in the sea, while the upper ends cling to a pohutukawa tree. The spirit stands by the upper end of these roots, awaiting an opening in the seaweed floating on the water. The moment an opening is seen, it flies down to the Reinga. Reaching the Reinga, there is a river and a sandy beach. The spirit crosses the river. The name of the newcomer is shouted out. He is welcomed, and food is set before him. If he eats the food, he can never return to life" . Additionally, there are several immaterial sites that are central to the geography of Rarohenga. This includes checkpoints such as Pou-tere-rangi, which is described as the Guard House and entry to the underworld. This site is manned by Te Ku-Watawata, and divides Rarohenga to humankind. Original texts express that humans were once able to journey through this point and between worlds. However, after a heated disagreement between Te Ku-Watawata and Mataora, the passage was closed to humans forever. Te Ku-Watawata declared "never again will the door of the lower world be opened to the upper world, but only downward to the underworld; only spirits shall traverse both realms". == See also ==