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

Whilst a tewhatewha looks alot like an axe, it wasn't used that way by Maori.  The large head of the tewhatewha is called a rapa.  Just below the rapa, the edge of the shaft was the part used for striking the enemy. 

Note the carving further down the shaft.  It is believed that this carving, which was often carved to represent two faces, was added to stop the hand slipping down the shaft during battle. 

Also note the feathers hanging from the rapa.  These aren't just there for decoration.  Maori warriors would flick the feathers into the eyes of their opponent, poke them with the pointed end (mata) of the tewhatewha, then reverse arms and strike the head of their opponent with the front of the shaft.  The head of the tewhatewha would add additional weight to the blow.

This tewhatewha 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 Tewhatewha 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.

NB: Because of its length and value, the Tewhatewha MUST be shipped overseas by International Courier.  Please select this shipping option when you get to the first page of Checkout.