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). The eyes have residue indicating that there was an inlay, most likely pāua (abalone) shell, present at one time. The tinana (body) is completely carved with rauponga (fern leaves), double spirals containing pākati, kirikiore (rolling spirals and cresents) and waharua (two mouths) patterns. Near the bottom of the body, on one side, there is a face with an open mouth. 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 gesture of defiance in Māori culture is often represented in carvings.