A taiaha (Māori pronunciation: [ˈtaiaha]) is a traditional weapon of the Māori of New Zealand; a close-quarters staff weapon made from either wood or whalebone, and used for short, sharp strikes or stabbing thrusts with efficient footwork on the part of the wielder.[1]
Taiaha are usually between 5 and 6 feet (1.5 and 1.8 m) in length. It has three main parts; the arero (tongue), used for stabbing the opponent and parrying; the upoko (head), the base from which the tongue protrudes; and the ate (liver) or tinana (body), the long flat blade which is also used for striking and parrying.[2]
- ^ Hiroa, Te Rangi (1949). "Long Clubs". The Coming of the Maori. Māori Purposes Fund Board. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
- ^ "Taiaha (long club fighting staff)". Collections Online. Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa. Retrieved 19 November 2011.