Fine and Rare Maori Long Handled Fighting Staff, New Zealand
tewhatewha
Wood
height 37in (94cm)
Carved of hardwood, the cylindrical shaft of slightly curving form coming to a point at the handle, a tiki face carved approximately 10 inches from the bottom and a finely carved blade at the top with rounded front and slightly sloping top; fine reddish-brown patina; with Webster Collection label, now barely legible, attached to the blade section through the hole originally intended for the feather attachments.
PROVENANCE
Kenneth Athol Webster Collection, London
Wayne Heathcote, Brussels
Private Collection, East Coast
According to Mead (1985: p. 185), "This type of two-handled club with expanded end at the blade was used as a signaling device by the commander of an army, the expanded surface making it clearly visible. Often feathers were attached on the lower side of the axlike feature and the feathers could be made to quiver in the wind. The striking part of the club is the straight edge behind the flat surface, the club being swung like a quarterstaff."
Cf. Mead (ibid.), fig. 36
