Fighting stick

Reference : 2205

Big fighting stick

Wood, haliotis shell
Dimensions: Height: 202cm
Presumed period: 19th century
Maori population.
New Zealand Provenance:
– Private collection. England
– Bonhams Los Angeles 2.12.2015, lot105
– Private collection.

France

This Grand Taiaha was used in codified combat.
The top represents the tongue protruding from a stylized head. The gesture of sticking out the tongue was a ritual challenge practiced by Maori warriors.
The weapon is made up of three parts:
The Arero (tongue), used for stabbing the opponent,
The Upoko (Janus head), the base from which the Arero protrudes,
and the Ate or tinana (liver), the long, flat blade also used for dodging and parrying.

Price: €8,500

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