Katoua (wooden club)

item details

NameKatoua (wooden club)

ProductionTau Fuata Niue Dance Group; maker/artist; 2006; Auckland

Classificationspears

Materialswood, ink, varnish

Techniquesdirect carving, printing

DimensionsOverall: 155mm (width), 1974mm (length), 27mm (depth)

Registration NumberFE012866

Credit lineGift of Creative New Zealand, 2014

Overview

Taufuata Niue Dance Group

This katoua (wooden club) was made by the Taufuata Niue Dance Group, an Auckland based all-male Niuean dance group. Taufuata Niue have performed extensively in New Zealand and Niue and have also toured and perfomed at international venues in Australia, Brazil, China and Japan.

This is an example of katoua that were made to be used as dance implements in war dances such as the takalo. The katoua has been varnished and has the name of the group and the year 2006 printed along the top of the blade.

Creative New Zealand Pacific Heritage Artists Award 2006

In 2006, Taufuata Niue were awarded the Creative New Zealand Pacific Heritage Artist Award at the Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts Awards. Taufuata Niue presented this katoua to Creative New Zealand in 2006.