Taiaha

The Taiaha (also called Hani ) is mace and spear of New Zealand's indigenous people, the Maori.

History

The Taiaha was developed by the Māori as a melee weapon.

Description

The Taiaha grounds contain hardwood. The shaft ( handle ) is round in cross section. At one end it has a spear- shaped blade and the other end has a broad impact head. The spearhead is made of wood and artfully decorated. The impact head end is broader from the middle of flat and round up to the end. This end is cut off cleanly and has resemblance to a boat paddle. This end is used for pounding, to stab the other. The flat flip side and the tip are intricately decorated with carvings. Below the tip of a wreath of hair is attached. The length of the Taiaha is about 150 cm (rarely longer). There is anecdotal variants in which a spearhead of jade was used.