A MAORI PATU PARAOA CLUB

This weapon was used as a club, and the warriors would attempt to hit their opponents shoulder in hopes that it will break or dislocate, causing them to drop their weapon.
This type of short-handled club (patu) features a flat elongated blade with sharp striking edge. Finely finished, these flat bladed weapons could be made from wood, stone, whalebone (patu paraoa) and even prestigious greenstone. A single perforation at the rounded tip would have had a cord (tau) fashioned from dog skin to fasten it securely to the wrist.

Provenance: Aaron Goode

Maori people, New Zealand, 18th/19th century.
Whalebone, 34 x 11 cm, Comes together with a certificate.

Price: upon request