OUT OF THE ASHES, HISTORY

Tu Tangata, Issue 25, 1 August 1985, Page 31

OUT OF THE ASHES, HISTORY

by Alan Taylor

There was mystery in the sacred temple of Te Hape. Built by the followers of two King Country tohunga or priests, the temple was destroyed by fire just over a year ago. But, an exact copy of it is being constructed by the Ngati Rerehau tribe.

Surrounded by forests and swamps, the temple (named Miringa Te Kakara) was wholly built, in the 1860’s, of totara, raupo reed and bark slabs. No European materials were used, such as nails and screws. Nor was any form of decoration applied other than religious symbols, such as stars and moonscarved into wall panels and centre posts. Regarded as highly tapu or sacred, the temple was built in the shape of a cross. Also, it was under the protection of a guardian eel: a giant tuna ma or white eel, possessing great magical powers.

Designed by Te Ra Karepe. the high priest, Miringa Te Kakara was built in a single night and was used as a centre of sacred learning. It was a place where star lore or astrology was

taught, along with knowledge of the One God, 10. Here also, the sick were brought for healing. Famous, the temple was visited by such important chiefs as Rewi Maniapoto and King Tawhiao, who was a great priest in his own right.

As the years passed, Miringa Te Kakara became a focal point of a large paa or village, surrounded by cultivations and well-built thatched houses. It was a peaceful settlement of prayer and industry. That is, until Te Ra Karepe and the second great priest of Te Hape (Rangawhenua) died. Then the village was deserted out of concern over the restless wairua or spirit of Te Ra Karepe, which (it was said) haunted the settlement.

In time, the bush surrounding Miringa Te Kakara, gradually overwhelmed the village and cultivations. But, strangely, never reached the temple. This remained standing, its mana or sacred prestige, protecting it until its destruction by fire.... A great tragedy, out of which however a new Miringa Te Kakara will arise out of its ashes.