A RARE WHALE BONE MAORI TAIAHA 19TH CENTURY the slender tinana (body) flattened at one end with a smooth blade or rau, the finely carved upoko (head) with a face on each side both inlaid with pāua shell eyes and a protruding arero (tongue) carved in spirals, parrallel grooves and dog tooth pattern notches; unknown carver 147 cm long PROVENANCE:The Collection of the Late George Withers (1946-2023) NOTE: The taiaha is traditional Maori weapon most commonly found in wood but also more rarely in whale bone. Used ‘hand to hand’ it’s use as a parrying and striking weapon was synonymous with traditional forms of Maori combat. More commonly seen in whale bone is the kotiate (short hand club)
Please note: if you are purchasing this lot it will require CITES certification to export it from the UK to a foreign country as it contains organic material. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to research shipping restrictions and to apply for any certifications required.
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