Superbly carved wahaika  in orthodox form covered in deep relief linear triple haehae and dog tooth pattern and displaying particularly fine striking high relief recumbent manaia he TIKI carving on the shoulder of this club.  Tiki has hands on drawn up knees holding long protruding tongue in fierce defiant battle pose. Full ta moko body tattoos. The reke (butt), consists of two fern spore pod whorls  to form a double head shaped finial with pierced tang loop. Bored thong worn hourglass lanyard hole. Deep dark rich age patina.

Wahaika, which literally means the mouth of the fish, is a short handled close quarter striking weapon used for thrusting and striking. The primary striking edge of the wahaika, like other close quarter striking weapons, is the convex distal tip which can be used to great effect when thrust with force at vital points of the head and body, particularly the temple, the corner of the eye, between the eyes, the mouth, and the ribs.

C Late 1800s - early 1900s.

Length: 38 cm (15 inches) x  Width: 14 cm (5.5 inches)

Includes custom made, museum display stand.

US $4,500

See: Notes on the art of war, as conducted by the Maori of new Zealand, with accounts of various customs, rites, superstitions, &c., pertaining to war, as practiced and believed in by the ancient Maori. Elsdon Best of Tuhoe-land.