marae

Polynesian religion

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June 30, 2026

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A marae is a Polynesian temple enclosure used for worship, sacrifice, or other religious ceremonies. In Polynesia, the ceremonial ground, often referred to as the marae or ahu complex, was a significant architectural achievement and a place of worship. These grounds typically featured an enclosure, either raised or walled, with a platform at one end. Upright stone slabs along this platform served as backrests for deities, while other stones marked the positions of human participants. Monumental stone figures of gods were carved and installed on marae in the Marquesas around 1500 CE.12

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Oceanic art and architecture
Polynesia
…largely: the ceremonial ground (the marae/ahu complex, known by varying local terms) and personal ornaments. The ceremonial ground was a place of worship. It usually took the form of an enclosure (marae), which was raised or walled or in some other way delineated, with a raised platform (ahu) across one…
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…largely: the ceremonial ground (the marae/ahu complex, known by varying local terms) and personal ornaments. The ceremonial ground was a place of worship. It usually took the form of an enclosure (marae), which was raised or walled or in some other way delineated, with a raised platform (ahu) across one…
Read More