Māori Carved Wood Wahaika Hand Club with Figure

Oceania, New Zealand, Māori. A carved wooden wahaika, the single-edged Māori hand club, its flat blade swelling into a broad, kidney-shaped striking end. The outer edge sweeps in one smooth convex arc. The inner edge curves inward and rises toward the grip, and at that point the carver set a small standing figure in relief. The figure has a large head, its arms are bent across the torso, and its legs are flexed, much like a tiki. A narrow, rounded handle runs down from the blade to a knobbed butt that carries incised carving, perhaps a stylized head. It is pierced for a wrist cord. Close-grained areas of the surface are worn to a soft sheen, while weathered areas show raised, fibrous grain. In use the club was gripped close and thrust edge-first, and its proportions are suited to fighting at close range. The wahaika belongs to the patu family of Māori short clubs, alongside the mere and the kotiate. All were made for fighting at close quarters, where a quick thrust or jab with the edge mattered more than a long swing. The name is usually translated as "fish mouth" (waha, mouth, and ika, fish). This is often explained by the hollow along the inner edge, which some writers say could catch an opponent's weapon. Wahaika were made of hardwood or whalebone, and the figure was traditionally placed on the inner curve, where it is found here. The hole through the handle took a cord, often of flax fibre, which looped around the wrist so the weapon could not be lost in a fight. Short clubs like this were also carried by men of rank and held during speeches and formal welcomes. They could be passed down within families, gaining names and histories over the generations. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 206488

Estimate:£521.11

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