Wooden Carved Wahaika Club - Large

Wooden Carved Wahaika Club - Large.

Both a practical and ceremonial weapon.

Waha-ika means the mouth of the fish.

If you look at the shape of the weapon it looks like the shape of a whales' lower jaw bone.

Many waha-ika have a small figure carved on the side.

This figure would be a guardian to the owner and would often be a venerated ancestor.

The patu was traditionally made out of wood or stone, and if made from greenstone was more commonly called a mere. 

It was used in a thrusting motion, often used in close combat aimed just below the ribs, and sometimes at the head. 

A Patu is a pre-European Maori club.  

This patu is made from native timber Matai.

It has a rope cord, for it to be hung from the wrist.

Size 40 H x 14cm W.