[ { "product_id": "520", "product_title": "Māori taiaha stand", "product_content": "## Māori taiaha stand ### Māori taiaha stand made from tulip wood. What a great way to display your taiaha.A taiaha continues to be revered as a taonga (treasure) and cultural icon. It is used in kapa haka performances, educational programs, and as a symbol of leadership and protection in ceremonies. Each taiaha, especially those made from tulip wood and adorned with traditional motifs, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and artistry of Māori weaponry and heritage. ### Size taiaha stand Size: 78cm x 10cm x 2cm (30.71x3.94x0.79\")", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/520\/wm_taiaha_stand_with_koru_design1.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "195.65", "product_price_ex_tax": 195.65217391304, "product_price_local_tax": "195.65", "product_created_datetime": "2026-04-08 21:34:41", "product_code": "woodmasters_maori_taiaha_stand", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": null, "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-maori-taiaha-stand\/" }, { "product_id": "448", "product_title": "Māori taiaha native wood", "product_content": "## Large Māori taiaha for sale - native wood This beautiful taiaha is carved from NZ matai, a native wood. ### Upoko, tauri and rau You can see an 'upoko', 'tauri' and 'rau' in the photos. The pointed end of the taiaha is carved in the shape of a head and is called the 'upoko'. Below the upoko is a tauri (collar) made of bird feathers. The opposite end of the taiaha has a flat, smooth blade called a 'rau', with koru design.You can buy a Māori taiaha from Aotearoa.co.nz right now.We can provide a large tube and organise shipping anywhere in the world.We might need to adjust the shipping cost when you order (we need to send the artwork by courier).sUpon your approval, we will process your order.### Size: Approx. 1430mm (56.30\") Visit our Auckland museum or check out their site to find out more about Māori culture and traditional Māori artefacts >>", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/448\/wm_taiaha02A.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "617.39", "product_price_ex_tax": 617.39130434783, "product_price_local_tax": "617.39", "product_created_datetime": "2025-06-05 10:26:20", "product_code": "woodmasters_maori_taiaha02", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "0", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-maori-taiaha-native-wood\/" }, { "product_id": "447", "product_title": "Māori taiaha with greenstone tongue", "product_content": "## Large Māori taiaha with greenstone tongue Māori fighting staff from tulip wood. Due to its shape, it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a spear. You can see an 'upoko', 'tauri' and 'rau' in the photos. The pointed end of the taiaha is carved in the shape of a head and is called the 'upoko'. Below the upoko is a tauri (collar) made of bird feathers. The opposite end of the taiaha has a flat, smooth blade called a 'rau', with koru design.We can provide a large tube and organise shipping anywhere in the world.We will need to adjust the shipping cost when you order (we need to send the artwork by courier).Upon your approval, we will process your order.### Material: Tulip wood, pāua shell eyes, greenstone tongue, feathers ### Size Māori taiaha: Size Māori taiaha:approx. 1430mm (56.30\") Or check out our Māori taiaha carved from native wood >> Visit our Auckland museum or check out their site to find out more about Māori culture and traditional Māori artifacts >>", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/447\/taiaha_greenstone_tongue.jpg", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "739.13", "product_price_ex_tax": 739.13043478261, "product_price_local_tax": "739.13", "product_created_datetime": "2025-06-05 10:26:20", "product_code": "woodmasters_maori_taiaha_greenstone", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "0", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-maori-taiaha-with-greenstone-tongue\/" }, { "product_id": "449", "product_title": "Wakahuia treasure box", "product_content": "## Wakahuia treasure box Wakahuia treasure box, also known as Feather Box, is used to store and protect precious items, such as huia feathers. These feathers were highly valued for their association with individuals of high status. We first came across this beautiful wakahuia treasure box when we contacted the artist regarding a commission for a taiaha (fighting staff). We love these stunning boxes. Derived from the Māori words \"waka\" (container or vessel) and \"huia\" (a now-extinct bird), the term \"wakahuia\" refers to the box's purpose and the material it once held. These boxes were typically hand-carved from wood. And adorned with intricate carvings and inlays, often incorporating materials like Pāua (abalone) shell. The top of the wakahuia usually featured decorative carvings, such as figures like the Tiki. The tiki symbolises good luck in Maaori culture.### Info wakahuia: Wakahuia became highly valued taonga (treasures) possessing both mana (prestige) and tapu (sacredness), qualities that they acquired by association with their owners. The taonga they held (pendants, combs, bird feathers, amulets) also acquired tapu through being worn on the body of their owners. Especially taonga worn on the head, the most tapu part of the body. This enhanced the overall prestige and value of these containers in Māori society. And as a result they became highly treasured family and tribal heirlooms.These boxes were often ornately carved and sometimes adorned with feathers themselves. They served not only as practical storage for taonga (treasures) but also held deep spiritual and cultural significance. The Huia feathers that were kept in these boxes were symbolic of mana (prestige and authority), and the feathers were sometimes worn as part of ceremonial dress, signifying the wearer's high status.### More info wakahuia: Materials: Traditionally made from wood. Often totara or other native New Zealand timbers, sometimes with inlays of bone or pāua shell. Carvings: The box would be intricately carved with designs representing ancestors, nature, and other symbols of importance in Māori culture. Shape: Typically oval or cylindrical, and with a lid that would be used to seal the contents. Function: In addition to feathers, these boxes could hold other items of personal or ceremonial value. Like tools, carved ornaments, or even human hair (especially in cases of high-ranking individuals). The Wakahuia is not only a beautiful example of Māori craftsmanship. But also a deeply cultural object that reflects the spiritual, social, and environmental ties of the Māori people to the land and their heritage.Our wakahuia comes with the tiki design, koru design and paua inlay.Beautiful gift for someones 'treasures'.### Material Tulip wood (hardwood; very durable) and pāua shell inlay### Size wakahuia treasure box 21cm x 10cm x 9cm(8.27\"x3.94\"x3.54\") ### Huia bird Even though the huia bird is extinct, we feature the Metalbird huia silhouette on our site >>", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/449\/wm_wakahuia01D.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "221.74", "product_price_ex_tax": 221.73913043478, "product_price_local_tax": "221.74", "product_created_datetime": "2025-06-05 10:26:20", "product_code": "woodmasters_wakahuia", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "3", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-wakahuia-treasure-box\/" }, { "product_id": "277", "product_title": "Kōauau Māori flute", "product_content": "## Kōauau Kōauau Māori wooden flute with stand.### Info about kōauau Kōauau are the most common type of Māori flute, and traditionally were made from various woods, kelp or bones. They range in length from about 10cm to 38.5 cm.They usually have have three finger-holes, known as wenewene. The sounds are further manipulated with slight movements of tongue and lips.Kōauau are used in entertainment, but also for healing and grieving and to ease pain. The music of kōauau always had words and an expert player could make these heard through the instrument.Source: Te Ara - Māori musical instruments >>### How to play a kōauau Now, there's a challenge. Kōauau are a beautiful part of Māori culture. However, it is not easy to play a Māori kōauau. Have you heard someone play the koauau? The sounds of a kōauau are quite haunting, and really beautiful - you 'feel' the kōauau when you hear the kōauau. Check out this YouTube video: Te kū te whē by Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns.Here are some tips to get you started! Making your first sound:Start with all the finger holes covered, it's much easier that way! Shape your lips and tongue as if you're making the lowest whistle sound you can. Then, hold the kōauau at an angle against the outer edge of your lips and gently move it into that stream of air.The two things to play around with are the angle of the instrument and how far toward the centre of your lips you hold it. Start from the outer side and slowly swivel it toward the centre while blowing. If nothing happens, nudge it a little more toward the centre and try again. Essentially, you're sealing about two-thirds of the mouthpiece against your lips and finding that sweet spot angle.It's a similar technique that works on bottles. Have fun! ### Size kōauau Kōauau: 14cmx3.3cm (5.51\"x1.30\")Stand:14cmx4cm (5.51\"x1.57)### More about tulip wood In New Zealand, Liriodendron tulipifera or tulip tree is commonly referred to as “NZ Tulip wood”. The tree is tall, handsome, fast-growing shade, ornamental or timber tree that forms a tall pyramidal crown.The large saddle-shaped leaves are bright green and turn yellow in autumn. Small, yellow-green, tulip-like flowers are produced in spring at the branch tips.", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/277\/wm_koaua01.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "141.74", "product_price_ex_tax": 141.73913043478, "product_price_local_tax": "141.74", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 21:39:52", "product_code": "wm_koauau", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "1", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-koauau\/" }, { "product_id": "262", "product_title": "Carved wooden wahaika club", "product_content": "## Carved Wooden Wahaika club Carved wooden wahaika club made from tulip wood. This beautiful club is carved on both sides.A Wahaika is a type of traditional Māori hand weapon. Wahaika are short club-like weapons usually made of wood or whalebone. They are used for thrusting and striking in close-quarter, hand-to-hand fighting.Wahaika (club) were used in close hand-to-hand combat to deflect blows. And also to strike the chest, head and wrist.### Pūkaiora Many wahaika have a small figure carved on their side called a pūkaiora which represented a tribal war God that would guard over the warrior during battle.### Size wooden wahaika club Size: 39cmx13cmx2cm(15.35\"x5.12\"x0.79\")Or check out our [large wahaika club with stand >>>](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-wahaika-club-on-stand\/) ### More information about Māori wahaika The wahaika was a pre-European weapon that was traditionally used in hand to hand contact. Wahaika, which means “Mouth of the Fish,” was mostly made from wood or whalebone. The wooden wahaika is often carved with intricate designs.These weapons have a concave back and have a carved notch on the edge of the back of the weapon. Many also have carvings on the reke, and many have carvings of small human-looking figures near the handle. The weapons were used in battle, of course, but also used in speeches and ceremony to accentuate the delivery of a particular point where Rangitira wanted people to pay attention.As with the other Māori weapons, the wahaika were used in hand-to-hand combat. The warrior would thrust the wahaika into the body of their enemy, and since the wahaika has a sharp edge, much harm could be done.https:\/\/www.armymuseum.co.nz\/maori-weapons\/", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/262\/WM_carved_wahaika_club1.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "256.52", "product_price_ex_tax": 256.52173913043, "product_price_local_tax": "256.52", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:46:16", "product_code": "woodmasters_carved-wahaika", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "2", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-carved-wooden-wahaika-club\/" }, { "product_id": "260", "product_title": "Māori taiaha", "product_content": "## Large Māori taiaha fighting staff Māori fighting from tulip wood. The taiaha is sometimes mistaken for a spear due to its shape, but it is a unique weapon designed for both striking and stabbing in hand-to-hand combat.A taiaha features several distinct parts, each with its own meaning and function. At one end is the upoko (head), often intricately carved and inlaid with pāua shell eyes, symbolizing alertness and vigilance. Protruding from the upoko is the arero (tongue), used for stabbing and parrying, while the opposite end, the rau (blade), is a flat, smooth surface used for powerful strikes. Some taiaha also feature a tauri, or feather collar, adding to their ceremonial beauty and significance.You can see an 'upoko', 'tauri' and 'rau' in the photos. The pointed end of the taiaha is carved in the shape of a head and is called the 'upoko'. Below the upoko is a tauri (collar) made of bird feathers. The opposite end of the taiaha has a flat, smooth blade called a 'rau', with koru design.Today, the taiaha continues to be revered as a taonga (treasure) and cultural icon. It is used in kapa haka performances, educational programs, and as a symbol of leadership and protection in ceremonies. Each taiaha, especially those made from tulip wood and adorned with traditional motifs, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and artistry of Māori weaponry and heritage.### Shipping ### We might need to adjust the shipping cost when you order from overseas (we need to send the artwork by courier).Upon your approval, we will process your order.Size: approx. 1430mm (56.30\") Visit our Auckland museum or check out their site to find out more about Māori culture and traditional Māori artefacts >>", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/260\/wm_taiaha01A.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "513.04", "product_price_ex_tax": 513.04347826087, "product_price_local_tax": "513.04", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:46:15", "product_code": "woodmasters_maori_taiaha001", "product_barcode": null, "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "1", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-maori-taiaha\/" }, { "product_id": "258", "product_title": "Medium Māori wooden patu club", "product_content": "## Medium Wooden Patu Club Medium wooden patu club with pāua inlays. This beautiful wooden patu artwork makes a lovely gift.A special gift for someone special. You can buy one right here, right now.The mere is a hand club, carved out of bone, wood or pounamu (greenstone). This wooden mere is carved from tulip wood.### Patu or mere? We learned something new! A mere is a short, flat, teardrop-shaped club made of greenstone (pounamu, nephrite jade).A mere is a specific type of patu, made from pounamu. A patu is a similar shape and is usually made from wood, stone, or whale bone. This wooden patu is carved from tulip wood### Info about mere clubs A warrior would carry his mere in his flax belt. The Mere was a treasured Heirloom, passed from Generation to Generation and usually only Chiefs of high standing possessed them.Mere were lethal in the hands of a competent warrior. A Chief would rather be killed by his own Mere, than lose his life to another's in times of capture.Nowadays the mere symbolises the facing and overcoming of life's challenges and difficulties.### More about tulip wood In New Zealand, Liriodendron tulipifera or tulip tree is commonly referred to as “NZ Tulip wood”. The tree is tall, handsome, fast-growing shade, ornamental or timber tree that forms a tall pyramidal crown. The large saddle-shaped leaves are bright green and turn yellow in autumn.Small, yellow-green, tulip-like flowers are produced in spring at the branch tips.#### Details wooden patu club Size: 32cmx8.5cmx2cm(12.60\"x3.35\"x0.79\")Or check out our [large wooden patu club >>>](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-large-wooden-patu-club\/)Or check out our [small wooden patu club >>>](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-small-wooden-patu-club\/)### More information about Māori mere A mere is a basic thrust weapon that was used to target the vital points of the body, especially the head and ribs. Skilled Māori warriors would give horizontal thrusts to the temple, or target the ribs with an upward thrust.The mere pounamu was the most revered of all the Māori weapons, and some were even buried with the owner. Most, however, were passed along from one generation to another, along with the prestige of owning a weapon that a great warrior once held.https:\/\/www.armymuseum.co.nz\/maori-weapons\/", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/258\/wm_mere002.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "100.00", "product_price_ex_tax": 100, "product_price_local_tax": "100.00", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:46:15", "product_code": "wm_medium_wooden_mere_club", "product_barcode": null, "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "1", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-medium-wooden-patu-club\/" }, { "product_id": "259", "product_title": "Small wooden patu club", "product_content": "## Small Wooden Patu Club Small wooden patu club with koru design. This beautiful wooden patu artwork also makes a lovely gift.A special Māori gift for anyone with love for our Māori culture. You can buy one right here, right now.### Patu or mere? We learned something new! A mere is a short, flat, teardrop-shaped club made of greenstone (pounamu, nephrite jade).A mere is a specific type of patu, made from pounamu. A patu is a similar shape and is usually made from wood, stone, or whale bone. This wooden patu is carved from tulip wood### Info about mere clubs A warrior would carry his mere in his flax belt. The Mere was a treasured Heirloom, passed from Generation to Generation and usually only Chiefs of high standing possessed them.Mere were lethal in the hands of a competent warrior. A Chief would rather be killed by his own Mere, than lose his life to another's in times of capture.Nowadays the mere symbolises the facing and overcoming of life's challenges and difficulties.#### More about tulip wood In New Zealand, Liriodendron tulipifera or tulip tree is commonly referred to as “NZ Tulip wood”. The tree is tall, handsome, fast-growing shade, ornamental or timber tree that forms a tall pyramidal crown. The large saddle-shaped leaves are bright green and turn yellow in autumn. Small, yellow-green, tulip-like flowers are produced in spring at the branch tips.#### Details small wooden patu club Size: 25cmx8.5cmx2.5cm(9.84\"x3.35\"x0.98\")Or check out our [large wooden patu club >>](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-large-wooden-patu-club\/)Or check out our [medium wooden patu club >>](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-medium-wooden-patu-club\/)#### More information about Māori mere A mere is a basic thrust weapon that was used to target the vital points of the body, especially the head and ribs. Skilled Māori warriors would give horizontal thrusts to the temple, or target the ribs with an upward thrust.The mere pounamu was the most revered of all the Māori weapons, and some were even buried with the owner. Most, however, were passed along from one generation to another, along with the prestige of owning a weapon that a great warrior once held.", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/259\/wm_mere001.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "80.00", "product_price_ex_tax": 80, "product_price_local_tax": "80.00", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:46:15", "product_code": "wm_small_wooden_mere_club", "product_barcode": null, "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "1", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-small-wooden-patu-club\/" }, { "product_id": "257", "product_title": "Large wooden patu club", "product_content": "## Large Wooden Patu Club Large wooden patu club with koru design. This beautiful wooden patu artwork makes a lovely gift.A special gift for someone special. You can buy one right here, right now.### Patu or mere? We learned something new! A mere is a short, flat, teardrop-shaped club made of greenstone (pounamu, nephrite jade).A mere is a specific type of patu, made from pounamu. A patu is a similar shape and is usually made from wood, stone, or whale bone. This wooden patu is carved from tulip wood.### Info about greenstone mere clubs A warrior would carry his mere in his flax belt. The Mere was a treasured Heirloom, passed from Generation to Generation and usually only Chiefs of high standing possessed them.Mere were lethal in the hands of a competent warrior. A Chief would rather be killed by his own Mere, than lose his life to another's in times of capture.Nowadays, the mere symbolises the facing and overcoming of life's challenges and difficulties.### More about tulip wood In New Zealand, Liriodendron tulipifera or tulip tree is commonly referred to as “NZ Tulip wood”. The tree is tall, handsome, fast-growing shade, ornamental or timber tree that forms a tall pyramidal crown.The large saddle-shaped leaves are bright green and turn yellow in autumn. Small, yellow-green, tulip-like flowers are produced in spring at the branch tips.### Size wooden patu club 41cmx12.5cmx2cm(16.14\"x4.92\"x0.79\")Or check out our [small wooden patu club >>](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-small-wooden-mere-club\/)Or check out our [medium wooden patu club >>](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-medium-wooden-mere-club\/)Or check out our [large wahaika club](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-carved-wooden-wahaika-club\/)### More information about Māori mere A mere is a basic thrust weapon that was used to target the vital points of the body, especially the head and ribs. Skilled Māori warriors would give horizontal thrusts to the temple, or target the ribs with an upward thrust.The mere pounamu was the most revered of all the Māori weapons, and some were even buried with the owner. Most, however, were passed along from one generation to another, along with the prestige of owning a weapon that a great warrior once held.https:\/\/www.armymuseum.co.nz\/maori-weapons\/", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/257\/wm_mere003.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "160.87", "product_price_ex_tax": 160.86956521739, "product_price_local_tax": "160.87", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:46:14", "product_code": "wm_large_wooden_mere_club", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "2", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-large-wooden-patu-club\/" }, { "product_id": "256", "product_title": "Wooden wahaika club", "product_content": "## Wooden wahaika clubBeautiful wooden wahaika club made from tulip wood. A Wahaika is a type of traditional Māori hand weapon. Wahaika are short club-like weapons usually made of wood or whalebone. They are used for thrusting and striking in close-quarter, hand-to-hand fighting. Wahaika (club) were used in close hand-to-hand combat to deflect blows. And also to strike the chest, head and wrist. ### Pūkaiora Many wahaika have a small figure carved on their side called a pūkaiora which represented a tribal war God that would guard over the warrior during battle.### Details wahaika club Size:39cmx13cmx2cm(15.35\"x5.12\"x0.79\")Or check out our [large carved wahaika club](https:\/\/www.aotearoa.co.nz\/products\/aotearoa-carved-wooden-wahaika-club\/)### More information about Māori wahaika The wahaika was a pre-European weapon that was traditionally used in hand-to-hand contact. Wahaika, which means “Mouth of the Fish,” was mostly made from wood or whalebone.The wooden wahaika is often carved with intricate designs. These weapons have a concave back and have a carved notch on the edge of the back of the weapon. Many also have carvings on the reke, and many have carvings of small human-looking figures near the handle.The weapons were used in battle, of course, but also used in speeches and ceremony to accentuate the delivery of a particular point where Rangitira wanted people to pay attention. As with the other Māori weapons, the wahaika were used in hand-to-hand combat. The warrior would thrust the wahaika into the body of their enemy, and since the wahaika has a sharp edge, much harm could be done.", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/256\/wm_wahaika004A.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "160.87", "product_price_ex_tax": 160.86956521739, "product_price_local_tax": "160.87", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:46:14", "product_code": "woodmasters_wahaika", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "0", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-wooden-wahaika-club\/" }, { "product_id": "245", "product_title": "Māori taiaha on stand", "product_content": "## Māori taiaha on stand A taiaha is often referred to as a Māori spear, but it's a fighting staff.This Māori taiaha comes with a wooden tongue. The items are made from tulip wood, very durable.We can organise shipping anywhere in the world.We will give you a quote when your order.Please note that the artwork needs to be sent overseas by International Courier.Shipping within New Zealand is free of charge.Size Māori taiaha on stand:approx. 780mm x 120mm x 100mm (30.71\"x4.72\"x3.94\") Our carvers can also do a large wooden club on a stand >>### Rākau Māori – Māori weapons - taiaha, patu Rākau Māori (Māori weaponry) was designed for hand-to-hand combat. In battle it was common for toa (warriors) to take a long handled weapon such as a taiaha (long-handled fighting staff) and a short weapon such as a patu (club) tucked into a belt.Māori wore little into battle apart from a maro (kilt) or a tātua (belt). In some cases a tapahu (dogskin war cloak) or a pauku (cloak to shield spear thrusts), was worn.Māori did not use bows and arrows, so fighting was almost entirely hand-to-hand. Famous weapons were given names and handed down from generation to generation.### Taiaha (fighting staff) One of the most well-known Māori weapons is the taiaha. It is usually made from wood, though sometimes it is made from whale bone. Due to its shape, it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a spear. The staff has a pointed end, and is usually between 1.5 and 1.8 metres long.The pointed end (the arero or tongue) comes out of the upoko (head) which then becomes the ate (liver) or tinana (body). It is used for stabbing, parrying (warding off blows) and striking.Source: Basil Keane, 'Riri - traditional Māori warfare - Rākau Māori – Māori weapons and their uses', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.Story by Rangi Matamua, published 5 Sep 2013", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/245\/woodmasters_taiaha_stand02B.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "465.22", "product_price_ex_tax": 465.21739130435, "product_price_local_tax": "465.22", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:46:08", "product_code": "woodmasters_taiaha_on_stand", "product_barcode": null, "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "1", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-maori-taiaha-on-stand\/" }, { "product_id": "240", "product_title": "Wahaika club on stand", "product_content": "## Wahaika club on a stand Beautiful wahaika club on a stand.A Wahaika is a type of traditional Māori hand weapon. Wahaika are short club-like weapons usually made of wood or whalebone. They are used for thrusting and striking in close-quarter, hand-to-hand fighting.Wahaika (club) were used in close hand-to-hand combat to deflect blows. And also to strike the chest, head and wrist.### Pūkaiora Many wahaika have a small figure carved on their side called a pūkaiora which represented a tribal war God that would guard over the warrior during battle. ### Details wahaika club Size Māori wahaika club:50cmx22cmx14cm(19.69\"x8.66\"x5.51\")", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/240\/wm_wahaika_with_stand1.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "582.61", "product_price_ex_tax": 582.60869565217, "product_price_local_tax": "582.61", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:44:51", "product_code": "woodmasters_wahaika_on_stand", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "1", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-wahaika-club-on-stand\/" }, { "product_id": "234", "product_title": "Toki Pou Tangata", "product_content": "## Toki - Pou - Tangata (Ceremonial Adze) Authentic Māori art by our carvers in Rotorua.Beautiful Māori gift.As mentioned above, a toki pou tangata is a ceremonial adze. It was held by a rangatira (Māori leader of high rank) and was a symbol of chiefly authority. While it was mainly used for ceremonial functions, it could also be used as a weapon (however, this is debatable).### Toki pou tangata - more info by our artist: The other person that would have more than likely had one, apart from the chief, was the Tohunga (Priest).Some examples of their use would be:If a tree was cut down for making a Waka (canoe) or a Wharenui (Meeting house) then the toki pou tangata would be used for the first cut and would then be used again at the start of the project and on completion. It could also be used in Whaikorero (giving speeches, or debates or addressing the people) using it to gesture and emphasise a point or to give more vigour to the process. It is debatable whether it was used as a weapon though there is recording of chiefs taking them into battle alongside a weapon. They were also used to dispatch high ranking prisoners taken captive. ### Figure at the top and bottom The figure at the top that looks down the handle is protectively watching the rear of the Toki Poutangata. It can be attributed to an ancestor or an Atua (god) depending on who it was made for and if there was a theme surrounding the piece. The theme could be one of the many a myths and stories in Māori cosmology.The figure on this one is in the haka stance slapping the sides of the torso. The figure head at the bottom of the handle is called a koreke.#### This toki pou tangata This artwork is made from tulip wood (hardwood). The blade is a lovely piece of dark green pounamu (greenstone).The toki looks great on the stand that has some koru design on both sides. Beautiful artwork that will look good in your home or office.#### Size toki pou tangata: 35cm x 20cm x 5cm(13.78\"x7.87\"x1.97\")", "product_order": "0", "product_icon": "\/media\/commerce_products\/234\/wm_maori_tokipoutangata06.webp", "product_brand_id": "1", "product_price": "780.87", "product_price_ex_tax": 780.86956521739, "product_price_local_tax": "780.87", "product_created_datetime": "2024-12-10 02:44:49", "product_code": "woodmasters_toki_pou_tangata", "product_barcode": "", "product_is_unorderable": "0", "product_is_shipping_required": "1", "product_inventory_level": "1", "product_uri": "\/products\/aotearoa-toki-pou-tangata\/" } ]