Rare New Zealand Maori Carved Wood Two Handed Club 'Tewhatewha'

Period: 1800-1900

Origin: New Zealand

Medium: Wood

Literature: This type of Maori long hand weapon is a two handed club with an expanded end at the blade and was used as a signaling device by the commander of an army. The expanded surface making it clearly visible from afar. Feathers were once attached on the lower side of the axe-shaped head and the feathers could be made to quiver in the wind. The club was swung like a quarterstaff with the striking part being the straight edge behind the flat surface. The Maori 'Tewhatewha' is not therefore an axe; the blade extension existed to provide extra weight and balance at the end of the weapon.