Māori, New Zealand
18th century
Wood
Length: 56½ in. (143.5 cm)
Provenance: Michael Graham Stewart, London
Publication: Polynesia: The Mark and Carolyn Blackburn Collection, Honolulu, 2010, pp. 354, no. 505
The taiaha served as both weapon and marker of rank within the Māori martial tradition, combining the reach of a staff with the striking capability of a close-quarters spear. Its use was governed by structured training and protocol, and practitioners were held in considerable esteem within Māori society. This example dates to the eighteenth century and carries published provenance through the Blackburn Collection catalogue of 2010.
The upper arero, or tongue end, is carved with koru-based surface ornament across the full face, the spiraling motifs executed with consistent depth and definition. The shaft tapers through its full length to a flattened rau blade at the lower end, consistent with documented eighteenth-century taiaha in institutional collections. The wood has developed a deep, even patina across the full surface through age and handling.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Māori, New Zealand
18th century
Wood
Length: 56½ in. (143.5 cm)
Provenance: Michael Graham Stewart, London
Publication: Polynesia: The Mark and Carolyn Blackburn Collection, Honolulu, 2010, pp. 354, no. 505
The taiaha served as both weapon and marker of rank within the Māori martial tradition, combining the reach of a staff with the striking capability of a close-quarters spear. Its use was governed by structured training and protocol, and practitioners were held in considerable esteem within Māori society. This example dates to the eighteenth century and carries published provenance through the Blackburn Collection catalogue of 2010.
The upper arero, or tongue end, is carved with koru-based surface ornament across the full face, the spiraling motifs executed with consistent depth and definition. The shaft tapers through its full length to a flattened rau blade at the lower end, consistent with documented eighteenth-century taiaha in institutional collections. The wood has developed a deep, even patina across the full surface through age and handling.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
