An excellent carved Maori Taiaha, dating to the mid 19th century. Of typical elongated form with tapered shaft, and the upoko (head) intricately carved on both sides and the tongue with double spiral motifs. Great patina and in good honest condition with two holes carved in the shaft – one approx midway and the other near the head, possibly for the attachment of a tauri (collar) of feathers. Note an interesting detail: individual carved wooden pegs remain in the eye sockets that would've held Paua shell eyes – the construction method of having separate pegs rather than being carved into the head is probably limited to a handful of carvers trained this way. One of these small pegs is missing.
Dimensions:
Length: 162.3cm. Width of widest part: 5.2cm.
Condition:
Age related wear as expected with some surface wear. Overall in good condition. Please examine photos carefully.
Postage:
Calculated at checkout.
Item will be sent tracked and signed-for.
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