Title / object name Pouwhenua (long handled pointed fighting staff)
| Maker | Role | Date |
| Unknown | carver | 1800-1900 |
Medium Summary Wood
Materials wood
| Dimensions |
| Overall | 1782 (Height) x 175 (Length) x 37 (Width) mm |
Classification Pouwhenua, staff weapons
Technique woodcarving
Registration Number WE000906
Credit LineBequest of Kenneth Athol Webster, 1971
A large and very heavy pouwhenua with a massive, broad rau (blade), and a rich dark patina. The pouwhenua belongs to the same class of weapon as the tewhatewha and taiaha, a long handled fighting weapon designed for stabbing, parrying and striking. In the hands of an expert weapons like the pouwhenua were highly effective and could deliver death with a single blow delivered at lightning speed.