Whats that spell? TAIAHA?

Tim Simmons · 8th June 2014, 11:37 AM

Thank you for your reply. I revisited this thread after looking at the Leiden Museum online data. There I found an example of a similar size to mine being approx 120 cm {I got the size wrong in the first post for some reason}. Other Taiaha in the collection have minimal decorative carving with no eyes but I have not found a completely plain example. With regard to length that might depend on a warriors own preference and style of fighting, whether to engage close hard and fast, you might like slightly shorter weapon. Fine carved head and tongue Taiaha would depend on status. Many may not have been made for combat. Not all high status Maori would be warriors but would probably still carry Taiaha.

I am reasonably satisfied that the writing on my piece is at least 19th century. I have added a few more close up pictures. The spelling seems to me to be Taieha. What appears to be 'e' might just be the result of fast writing. The club does have some age, just by the nature of the rusted through eye? screws that were obviously put in at some time display purposes. This condition would take many years to happen. Who knows why the head is so roughly carved? not all practical implements need to be decorative to function. Chatham Island weapons are in the same form as NZ weapons but not decorative.

It is hard to capture good close up detail with a fun snap camera.

LJ · 8th June 2014, 07:24 PM

I've found a very similar example to yours, but made of whalebone. It was in W.O. Oldman's collection (see plate 53 of the Oldman Collection of Maori Artefacts). It was 45.5 inches long.

fireiceviper · 10th June 2014, 11:42 AM

To me the color/wood type does not match up with a very old example.

I have a Taiaha that is of a similar wood and color and it is probably mid 20th century.

see pictures and comparison to an ebony (tourist) sword

Tim Simmons · 11th June 2014, 10:11 AM

Yes I have to agree the lack of "collectors colour" is troublesome. I have seen 16th century crossbows in museums that lack the desirable colour, in fact many museum exhibits lack colour.

Shown with these Polynesian clubs Tonga/Samoa and Niue Island. The colour factor is debatable? These clubs have not been purposely polished in there collected existence. I am not trying to say one thing or the other, just interested in comparison.

fireiceviper · 12th June 2014, 03:16 PM

My pictures did not get posted but here they are...

Tim Simmons · 12th June 2014, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the pictures. Another interesting aspect to my example is that it has a definite way of use. A deliberate carved off-centre weight forward striking edge. I try to show this with a straight rule. This gives an added power to a swing or blow of the weapon. It also kinks at this point.

fireiceviper · 12th June 2014, 07:31 PM

What i did with my "taiaha" is i contacted the museum of tepapa nz here (link) And i got an honest reply back from them, very nice people you should really send them a message!

Also you can check out there online collection here (link)
Or if you want to see them all on one page (like i do) use this link

Also i get what youre saying about color, very hard, i guess it depends on storage condition and age and also how long was it in use by the natives?

8th June 2014, 11:37 AM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,856	Thank you for your reply. I revisited this thread after looking at the Leiden Museum online data. There I found an example of a similar size to mine being approx 120 cm {I got the size wrong in the first post for some reason}. Other Taiaha in the collection have minimal decorative carving with no eyes but I have not found a completely plain example. With regard to length that might depend on a warriors own preference and style of fighting, whether to engage close hard and fast, you might like slightly shorter weapon. Fine carved head and tongue Taiaha would depend on status. Many may not have been made for combat. Not all high status Maori would be warriors but would probably still carry Taiaha. I am reasonably satisfied that the writing on my piece is at least 19th century. I have added a few more close up pictures. The spelling seems to me to be Taieha. What appears to be 'e' might just be the result of fast writing. The club does have some age, just by the nature of the rusted through eye? screws that were obviously put in at some time display purposes. This condition would take many years to happen. Who knows why the head is so roughly carved? not all practical implements need to be decorative to function. Chatham Island weapons are in the same form as NZ weapons but not decorative. It is hard to capture good close up detail with a fun snap camera. Attached Images

11th June 2014, 10:11 AM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,856	Yes I have to agree the lack of "collectors colour" is troublesome. I have seen 16th century crossbows in museums that lack the desirable colour, in fact many museum exhibits lack colour. Shown with these Polynesian clubs Tonga/Samoa and Niue Island. The colour factor is debatable? These clubs have not been purposely polished in there collected existence. I am not trying to say one thing or the other, just interested in comparison. Attached Images

12th June 2014, 03:16 PM	#5
fireiceviper Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	My pictures did not get posted but here they are... Attached Images

12th June 2014, 06:03 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,856	Thanks for the pictures. Another interesting aspect to my example is that it has a definite way of use. A deliberate carved off-centre weight forward striking edge. I try to show this with a straight rule. This gives an added power to a swing or blow of the weapon. It also kinks at this point. Attached Images

8th June 2014, 07:24 PM	#2
LJ Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 93	I've found a very similar example to yours, but made of whalebone. It was in W.O. Oldman's collection (see plate 53 of the Oldman Collection of Maori Artefacts). It was 45.5 inches long.

10th June 2014, 11:42 AM	#3
fireiceviper Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	To me the color/wood type does not match up with a very old example. I have a Taiaha that is of a similar wood and color and it is probably mid 20th century. see pictures and comparison to an ebony (tourist) sword

12th June 2014, 07:31 PM	#7
fireiceviper Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	What i did with my "taiaha" is i contacted the museum of tepapa nz here (link) And i got an honest reply back from them, very nice people you should really send them a message! Also you can check out there online collection here (link) Or if you want to see them all on one page (like i do) use this link Also i get what youre saying about color, very hard, i guess it depends on storage condition and age and also how long was it in use by the natives?