item details
NamePouwhenua (long handled pointed fighting staff)
ProductionUnknown; carver; 1750-1850; New Zealand
Classificationpouwhenua, staff weapons
Materialswood
Materials SummaryWood
Techniqueswoodcarving
DimensionsOverall: 37mm (width), 1782mm (height), 175mm (length)
Registration NumberWE000906
Credit lineBequest of Kenneth Athol Webster, 1969
Overview
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.