Small Hand Carved Taiaha Maori Spear

(THS)

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Small Hand Carved Taiaha Maori Spear, this Taiaha or Maori Spear was hand carved in Rotorua, New Zealand by a master carver using native New Zealand Matai, the spear features feathers at the top of the shaft and paua shell eyes.

Size: The Taiaha measures 890mm (7 3/4 inches) long, 45mm (1 1/2 inches) wide, 20mm (3/4 inch) deep.

Weight: 0.35Kg / 0.77 lbs.

This Taiaha carving was hand carved in Rotorua, New Zealand. This high quality carving is shaped and carved using New Zealand native Matai.

Taiaha

The Taiaha or Maori Spear is a traditional Maori hand held Weapon carved in the form of an ancestor. The tongue or spear head in this spear represents oratory skills, the paua shell eyes are to show alertness, and the feathers which adorn the head at the top of the shaft are there to distract opponents. Taiaha is a very special Maori Carving and treasure that is passed down from generation to generation. The Taiaha is styled like a spear and is a double ended weapon. This means that the top part, spear head, was used in a stabbing motion. The bottom is more like a club or blade and was used for hitting or cutting. In the hands of a master, this was a considerable weapon which could offer serious damage.

The Carving Process

Initially the talented carver shapes the timber to approximate dimensions. Then the piece is hand carved using traditional and authentic designs which have been passed down through generations. These design depict tribal and family details.

Once the carving is finished, the piece is then dipped into a stain and sprayed with lacquer ensuring the preservation of the timber. The final step of the process is to add the carvings embellishments such as paua eyes, greenstone, feathers and binding if necessary.

The carvers of these pieces have been trained through Maori carving institutions and have spent a long time perfecting their skills making it possible for them to carve to the detail required to ensure each piece is authentic and that each piece represents a part of the history of Maroidom.