taiaha

Taiaha is a traditional Māori wooden weapon from New Zealand. It is a long staff used in close-quarters combat and, in many contexts, as an emblem of authority and status (mana) within a tribe.

Typically measuring about 1.2 to 2 meters, taiaha are carved from hardwoods such as totara or rimu and finished with detailed carvings. The weapon has two functional ends: a narrow, pointed tip used for thrusting and jabbing, and a broader, flatter end used to parry, strike, or bind an opponent. The grip is placed near the middle or toward the end, depending on design, allowing leverage and control during maneuvers. Carvings along the shaft often depict ancestral figures, atua, and stylized motifs such as koru or fish hooks, and some taiaha are embellished with inlays or painted decorations.

Use and significance: In pre-colonial warfare, taiaha were employed in close-quarters engagement, often paired with a mere or other weapon. They are also used in ceremonial contexts, training, and performance arts, including kapa haka, where the taiaha can convey both physical skill and cultural storytelling.

Cultural context: Taiaha are considered taonga (treasures) and are treated with reverence. They are traditionally handed down within lineages and administered under tikanga (customary law), including restrictions on handling and display outside appropriate contexts.