Hand Club

P2218

From: New Zealand

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

View All (6) Object Images

Native Name Wahaika
Object Number P2218
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Maori
Provenience New Zealand
Period Te Huringa I Period
Date Made 1800 - 1900 CE
Section Oceanian
Materials Whale Bone | Abalone
Description

Whale bone wahaika (short-hand club) with one side smoothed and carved, the other side undecorated. There is a faintly incised figure beneath the blade. The reke (butt of the weapon) is carved in the shape of a head. There is a pāua (abalone) eye. Underneath the head is a circular hole from which a wrist cord (tau) would have been attached.

A wahaika is a short-handled thrusting weapon with a distinctive figure carved on one side. Used in close combat, the wahaika can be used to both parry and strike. The slit along the edge of the club would have been to snag and dislodge an opponent's weapon in battle.

Length 34.5 cm
Width 14 cm
Credit Line Purchased from W. O. Oldman; Subscription of Herbert L. Clark in memory of Edward W. Clark, 1911
Other Number 17389 - Dealer's Number

Report problems and issues to digitalmedia@pennmuseum.org.