Maori Pa Site

A Maori Pa site is a heavily fortified defensive fort strategically placed on hills near natural barriers such as the sea or rivers. The reason they were placed on hills was due to the fact that it therefore meant the tanagata whenua had the higher ground therefore giving them an edge over the attackers.

A Maori Pa Site consists of many wooden posts surrounding every side as well as it being many different levels making defending the pa site easier. Many of the materials around the pa are depending on the natural resources around them for example pa sites inland would be different to those near water sources like the sea.

Pa sites are the most heavily defended areas of the tribe therefore being a stronghold of the tribe, a place where they could go and feel safe from the war around them. What makes this so special is that Every pa site has its own protective deity which is buried under one of the corner posts, this contains the mana and prestige of the pa site.