Tama-i-waho

"Son outside." A personage dwelling in the heavens, and whose dwelling is described as being cross-barred or fenced with lattice work. He appears to have been in some way connected with the death of Hema, the father of Tāwhaki. Tāwhaki demanded utu (payment or redemption fee) from Tama-i-waho and enforced compliance. The gifts presented as utu were Te Whatu, Ateateanuku, Ateatearangi, Hurihangatepo, Hurihangateao, Te Mata, Koruehinuku, and Mateaateawhaki — names of powerful incantations.

He is the first son of Rangi (Raki) and Hekeheke-i-papa. The descendants of Tama-i-waho and his younger brothers were spirits and remained up in the fourteen heavens.

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References

Sources

  • Andersen, Johannes C. (1928). Myths and Legends of the Polynesians. London: George G. Harrap, p. 375.
  • Tregear, Edward. (1891). Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Wellington: Government Printer, p. 458.
  • White, John. (1887). Ancient History of the Maori. 6 vols. Wellington: G. Didsbury, Government Printer, pp. 1:19, 20, 125, 126.

This article incorporates text from Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary (1891) by Edward Tregear, which is in the public domain.