Maori Tewhatewha Club-Polynesian Weapon-Oceanic Art
Maori tewhatewha were both weapons used in combat and a prerogative of chiefs for signally during battle and held during speeches. The straight backside of the blade is the actual striking edge with the curved blade just giving weight to the blow. Down the shaft are ancient stylized faces. The underside of the blade has an old hole where small bunches of hawk feathers would have been attached. This tewhatewha is ex. Brant Mackley Collection, dates to the early 19th century, stands 57” (144.7 cm) in height.