"Fighting Stick Called Taiaha - Curios - Maori Culture, New Zealand, Polynesia"
COMBAT HANDKERCHIEF called Taiaha - CURIOSMaori culture, New Zealand, Polynesia
20th century
Wood and mother-of-pearl
Length: 104 ; L.: 9 cm
Carved with a Janus head, called upoko, with mother-of-pearl disk-encrusted eyes, and a long hanging tongue, the arero, punctuated with symmetrical scroll motifs. The cylindrical shaft is fitted with a grip called a tinana, and flares out at the proximal end to form the rau - the flattened end serving as a puzzle.
This weapon is also a symbol of authority.
Given the nature of the object, this is certainly an early 20th century curios.
Illustration: “Two Maoris fighting with a Taiaha”, J. White, The Ancient History of the Maori, 6 vols. 1887-1891.
Catalogue number: 6026
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
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