Maori Taiaha Quarterstaff-Polynesian Weapon-Oceanic Art
This is a superb large Maori Taiaha quarterstaff from the Fortess Family Collection. It had been on loan to the Honolulu Academy of Arts as well. The head is beautifully composed with deep, intricate, and precise design. There are remains of red wax in two of the eyes and a red velvet fiber bundle where the head joins the shaft. I invite you to look at the images of the head inverted to show how the pointed top section is actually a distended tongue. This taiaha is early/mid 19th century, 69 ½” (176.5 cm) in height.