Patu

Patu is the Māori word for a club or blunt weapon used by the Māori people of New Zealand. It denotes a handheld implement designed for striking in close quarters. Traditionally, patu were made to be durable and easy to grip, and they varied in form from simple wooden clubs to more elaborately crafted pieces.

Construction and forms often combine a sturdy wooden shaft with a compact head made from wood, bone, or stone. Some patu feature heads of greenstone (pounamu) or bone and may be carved with symbolic motifs or patterned with inlays. The designs range from plain to highly decorative, with carvings that reflect lineage, mana, and cultural stories. The patu can be worn as a taonga (treasured object) or used in ceremonial contexts as well as in daily life.

Historically, patu served as close-combat weapons in warfare and personal defense. Beyond their practical function, they carried cultural significance and could symbolize status, kinship, and authority. In many communities, patu are passed down through generations, becoming part of a family or tribal mana and identity.

In contemporary times, patu are preserved in museums and studied as historical artifacts. They are also made for ceremonial use, educational programs, and cultural performances. Care and respectful handling are emphasized due to their significance as taonga. While their practical use in combat is no longer common, patu remain an important symbol of Māori craftsmanship, history, and cultural heritage.