Wahaika (short-edged striking weapon)

The wahaika, which literally means the mouth of the fish, is a short handled close quarter striking weapon used for thrusting and striking. The primary striking edge of the wahaika, like other close quarter striking weapons, is the concave distal tip which can be used to great effect when thrust with force at vital points of the head and body, particularly the temple, the corner of the eye, between the eyes, the mouth, and the ribs. An unusual feature of this wahaika is the particualrly fine carving on the reke (butt), which consists of two humanistic heads with elongated foreheads joined at the chin forming a peforated semi-circular butt. The elongated forehead is a feature synonomous with the carving style of the Northern Te Tai Tokerau tribes.