This very fine replica of the pre-European weapon, the Tewhatewha ( pronounced te [as in terror]-far-te-far), features a stunning New Zealand greenstone blade.

Whilst the blade suggests the weapon was used like an axe, in reality it was the shaft just below the blade that was used to strike the enemy, with the blade (rapa) used to provide extra weight.

The other pointed end was used for poking the opponent.  The feathers were used to flick into the opponent's eyes, distracting them before hitting them with the blade or point.

The Tewhatewha can often be seen in Maori postcards or photographs, and often in the hands of a Maori chief, leading a haka or speaking on the marae.  Short tewhatewha, like this one, were probably designed for ceremonial use.  The tewhatewha pictured is 15 3/4" (40 cm) long.  A full length tewhatewha would be approximately 1.1 metres long.

Your tewhatewha comes with a matching display stand, as pictured.