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TAIAHA A definitive martial art, the practice of Taiaha was paramount. Used in close quarter battle, the strike blade was fast and devastating. On the opposing end (upoko) is a double side face with all seeing eyes. An extended tongue (arero) elaborately carved is used for stabbing the opponent and deflecting blows. The ata is often placed to the ear of the warrior who will listen to his weapon. Note also that the display of the tongue is a ritualised challenge given by Maori warriors, and thus the form of the weapon is connected to one of its aggressive functions during combat.
376 Taiaha - Long Staff
Early orthodox form. Arched shaft with signs of deflected blows across leading edges which have been worn flat in areas. Terminates in angular style. Ate (tongue) is beautifully carved with slight non symmetrical appearance. Late 18th century. Provenance note: JW1097. L1365mm. Y14761.
$1,200 - $1,500
Interesting angular style in orthodox form. Sealing wax inset eyes. Collector’s notes affixed: Purchased Van Praag auction, Masterton Hall Estate, Nov. 1959. L1200mm. Y14576.
$1,500 - $2,000
379 Taiaha - Long Staff
$1,200 - $1,500
94
Early orthodox form. Double haehae detailing in forehead and lip. Eyes in relief. Mouth offers four teeth. Tongue is carved in open minimal style. Small strike blade terminates with soft angular tip. Rich brown patina.19th century. L1220. Y5825.
378 Taiaha - Long Staff
$1,200 - $1,500
375 Taiaha - Long Staff
$1,500 - $2,500
377 Taiaha - Long Staff
374 Taiaha - Long Staff
Softly carved offering swept back forehead with recessed paua eyes (missing). Minimal nose. Lip is notched. Tongue is tightly executed and terminates into angular tip. The strike blade is finely balanced and completed with round form tip and a rich brown patina. Reference: Pacific encounters, Steven Hooper, 2006. L1460mm. Y4114.
Exceptional finely carved head offering very elaborate swept back forehead with recessed paua eyes. Strongly carved nose with upper lip offering dog tooth notching. Tongue is beautifully executed and terminates with rounded tip. Large strike blade is finely balanced and completed with broad round form tip. Rich red brown patina. Provenance: Zanesville Museum of Art, USA. L1580mm. Y14577.
Early example in strict orthodox form. Short forehead, one set of eyes with carved recess to accommodate paua, the other set uncarved. Tongue beautifully carved with elaborate triple haehae lines and dog tooth notching. Late 18th century. L1423. Y14301.
$1,200 - $1,500
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