Heke

The under surfaces of heke are rounded and usually painted with kowhaiwhai patterns. Heke were not as a rule straight, but curved slightly upwards throughout their whole length or curved at either or both ends. Hiroa states the lower ends in particular curved upwards [i.e. downwards when in situ]. The lower end was cut into a tenon (teremu) to fit into the top of the poupou. The upper end was rebated to fit neatly against the ridgepole and prevent them riding over it when the strain of the tataki lashing ropes was applied and clamped the rafters home