Hoeroa (whale bone staff)

Hoeroa (whale bone fighting staff) were usually fashioned from the jawbone of sperm whales. They are something of an enigma: not all experts are convinced that they were in fact designed as a weapon. A number of authorities suggest that hoeroa were used primarily as staffs of chiefly authority, and only as weapons in emergencies. Their tops were often finely carved, as this example indicates, and also had holes for suspending tufts of feathers or dog's hair.

History
An old label attached to this hoeroa at the time of purchase from the Reverend T G Hammond (1846-1926) reads 'Once the property of Tawhiao'. Tāwhiao was the second Māori King. This historical association with the Māori King is important and denotes Hammond's relationship with many Māori leaders from the west coast of the North Island. Hammond published many articles and books on Māori history and customs.