| Native Name | Taiaha |
| Object Number | P2199 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Maori |
| Provenience | New Zealand |
| Period | Te Huringa I Period |
| Date Made | 1800 - 1900 CE |
| Section | Oceanian |
| Materials | Wood | Abalone |
| Description | A taiaha (long-handled fighting staff), made of one piece of wood. There is a pointed blade with deep, incised carvings resembling a head. The tongue (arero) is covered in interlocking koru (curved fern) patterns. Pāua (abalone) shell eyes. The tinana (body) of the staff is covered with elongated interlocking koru and six eyes inlaid with pāua shell. Most likely made with steel tools due to the depth of the carving. The taiaha is a long-handled fighting staff, used to stab, parry, and strike. The distinctive blade is carved to resemble a head (upoko) with a tongue (arero) coming out of its mouth. This is a gesture of defiance in Māori culture and is often found represented in carvings. |
| Length | 145.5 cm |
| Width | 5.5 cm |
| Credit Line | Purchased from W. O. Oldman; Subscription of Herbert L. Clark in memory of Edward W. Clark, 1911 |
| Other Number | 14081 - Dealer's Number |
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