Staff

A taiaha (long-handled fighting staff), made of one piece of wood. There is a pointed blade with carvings resembling a head. The tongue (arero) is covered in interlocking koru (curved fern) patterns. One side of the face has a pāua (abalone) shell eye. The handle of the staff is covered with rauponga (pattern consisting of haehae, parallel lines, and pakati, dog tooth grooves) decoration along the middle of the staff and rauponga whakarare (pattern consisting of haehae, parallel lines, and pakati, dog tooth grooves with continuous hooks) near the bottom of the staff.

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 gesture is a symbol of defiance in Māori culture and is often found represented in carvings.

According the C.D. Voy, the collector, the taiaha was formerly carried by a Māori Chief.