A Selection of Oceanic Art / NH-042898-04
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NH-042898-04

Taiaha (Pole club)
Maori, New Zealand
Wood, haliotis shell inlay
19th century
L: 76 in. (193.04 cm)
The Maori "taiaha" was used both as a weapon and as an insignia of chiefly rank. Carved with elaborate scrollwork, faces oriented in three directions all share the same two pairs of shell-inlaid eyes. The distal end of this weapon was shortened possibly as a result of an accident in combat. Lower blade has been restored and the shell inlaid eyes on one side are restored.