For those of you who want a museum quality Maori wood carving, or a very special gift, we now have a local Maori carver who can carve for you, including this Maori Taiaha.

A Taiaha may look like a spear, but it wasn't used that way.  The lower, flattish part of the taiaha is called the rau, and it was used as a striking blade.  The middle shaft, usually slightly oval, has no carving, but the other end features carved upoko (heads) with an arero (tongue) extending out from the mouth.  Quite a menacing sight!

In battle, the taiaha was commonly held with the arero facing down to the ground.  The arero was commonly used as a jabbing weapon, then a quick reverse hands would bring the rau uppermost to give the opponent a whack on the top of the skull.  When carried out correctly, that blow could split the top of the opponent's skull, killing him quickly.

This taiaha is made to order.  Carving time is 2 weeks if you choose a softwood, and 6 weeks for hardwoods.  All timbers used are from native New Zealand trees.  Softwoods include Rimu and Totara.  Hardwoods include Black Maire and Puriri. 

Your carving is created by Brian Mitchell, who is of Ngati te Tarawa and Ngati Hine descent.  Brian first learned to carve in 1983 at Birkdale College ( Auckland) with renowned Maori sculptor Arnold Wilson.  Over the next 2 1/2 years he assisted master carver the late Dr Pakariki Harrison, and learned the ancient art of meeting house decorating and carving.  From this period Brian began to develop his own particular style, concentrating on the tikanga and designs of the Northern Tribes of Ngapuhi-Nui-Tonu.  Brian is inspired by the unique history, land, seascape, flora and fauna that the beautiful Northland region is privileged to have on its doorstep.  He now works as a carver and a tutor.

You can have your Taiaha carved exactly as in the photos, or you can provide information on how you want it to be carved.  Brian can competently carve all the tribal styles of New Zealand Maori.  The price may need to change depending on the complexity of design.

NB: Because of its length and value, this Taiaha must ship (overseas) by International Courier.  When you select your shipping option on the first Checkout page, you must choose the International Courier option.