Chief's staff "taiaha" ·  New Zealand, Maori · ID: 3047232

Description

wood, base

“Taiaha” were primarily insignias of rank. Except for hand-to-hand combat, they were used in ceremonial displays, as well as to emphasize points of oratory.

The staffs were designed for parrying, with the spatula-shaped end used as the striking part. The movements associated with “taiaha” usage as a fighting weapon were carefully taught according to fixed rules.

The object Chief’s staff “taiaha” with the object ID 3047232 was last part of the auction 95th Tribal Art Auction at October 24, 2020 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 31 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,600.

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