Kotiate Magnet

Kotiate Magnet.

The kotiate is a pre-European weapon used for close combat.

The carved notches were apparently so they got entwined with the combatant's intestines, as per the translation of the word kotiate, which means "to cut liver".

As per traditional carving, the butt of the handle is carved with a Maori face symbol, embellished with paua shell eyes.

As in this example, the traditional kotiate had a cord threaded through the butt end, which would be wrapped around the warrior's hand so it was not lost in battle.

Size 7.5cm.