Ohuia

Ohuia is a term found in discussions of Māori material culture referring to a type of wooden war club. In ethnographic and museum literature, ohuia is described either as a subclass of patu (the general term for Māori clubs) or as a distinct form distinguished by its compact proportions and carved head. The precise definition and regional variations of ohuia can vary between sources.

Construction and design typically involve carving from dense hardwoods such as totara or kamahi. The head of an ohuia is often broad and heavy relative to the shaft, which tends to be short and stout. Heads may feature traditional motifs, including abstract patterns, koru designs, or representations linked to ancestors or mana. The shaft may be finished smooth and, in some examples, bound with natural fibers or cord for grip.

Usage of ohuia encompassed both warfare and ceremonial contexts. In combat, its compact size made it suitable for close-quarters fighting, while in rituals and displays it served as a symbol of status and prestige. With the arrival of firearms and changing military tactics, the battlefield role of such clubs diminished, though they continued to hold strong cultural and symbolic significance within iwi (tribal) communities and as taonga (treasures) passed down through generations.

Today, ohuia examples are held in national and regional museums and are the subject of scholarly study on Māori art, warfare, and genealogical heritage. Repatriation and guardianship efforts emphasize returning taonga to their iwi and whānau for continued cultural care and use.