Taiaha September 24, 2022Lesley Armstrong The Taiaha (pronounced Tie-uh-ha) is a Maori weapon used in close hand-to-hand combat. Usually made from a hardwood, the taiaha was used to strike and to stab, but mostly to...
Patu September 23, 2022Lesley Armstrong Patu is the Maori name for a club or pounder. It was a common weapon used in hand-to-hand combat by Maori in inter-tribal wars or conflicts. Patu were made from...
Wahaika September 22, 2022Lesley Armstrong The Maori Wahaika (pronounced wa-ha-eeka) is a pre-European club used in close combat. The word translates to "mouth of the fish", which relates to the notch on one side of the club. ...
Kotiate September 21, 2022Lesley Armstrong The Kotiate (pronounced courtee-ah-teh) was a pre-European Maori weapon (club) used in close combat. Of particular note are the carved notches on each side of the flat blade. The notches...
Mere Pounamu September 20, 2022Lesley Armstrong Mere pounamu, usually just called a mere, are the most highly prized Maori weapon. A form of patu, or club, the mere is prized for its weight, beauty and strength....
Tewhatewha September 19, 2022Lesley Armstrong The tewhatewha is a Maori two-handed weapon not seen as much as patu and taiaha during battle, but still considered an important weapon, particularly in the hands of chiefs. It was...
