Staff

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 arero (tongue) is decorated with double spirals containing pākati (notching). Most likely made with steel tools due to the depth of the carving. Underneath the upoko is a band/collar (tauri) of feathers with cloth tied to the taiaha with a muka (processed New Zealand flax) cord.

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. The tauri was attached for ceremonial or performance purposes.