Staff, long slender shaft with spatulate blade (the end has been sawn in three directions at some later date and is thus mutilated) and butt in the form of a carved tongue and head. The shaft is bound at one point with string and fibre (to form grip ?). The implement was used by chiefs for ceremonial purposes and also for fighting (as a quarterstaff). Maori name is 'taiaha'.
fighting
These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.
The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.
If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk
