Combat Stick Called Tewhatewha Maori Culture, New Zealand, Polynesia XIXth Century

Object description :

"Combat Stick Called Tewhatewha Maori Culture, New Zealand, Polynesia XIXth Century"

COMBAT STICK called Tewhatewha
Maori culture, New Zealand, Polynesia
19th century
Wood
H.: 137.5; L.: 16 cm

This weapon in dugout wood has the particularity of having its head sculpted in the shape of an axe. A fixing hole is perforated on the lower part. It used to be used to hang a quill of feathers on it. The shaft, tapered to a point on the proximal part so that it can be used as a borer, is punctuated by a carved tiki.

The Tewhatewha were specific to the chiefs: they allowed them to signal the start of a battle by brandishing the stick like a flag.

No. 68 of the exhibition "Australia Oceania line and form"

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Price: 6 800 €