The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2117:
Description
19th/20th Century Pacific Maori Chief’s weapon from New Zealand. Known as a Tewhatewha, this broad, flat headed implement was used to direct troops as much as it was to kill a man. Akin to an axe, the large flat portion would have a sharpened edge for battle. At the base of the head is a hole for mounting traditional bunches of pigeon feathers in an ornamental fashion. The weapon was constructed from the root of a Maire tree. Typically about 5 feet long, this particular example comes in a hair short at 54.5” in length. The broad head measures 8.5” x 6.5”. There is a ghost of a collection tag at the top of the shaft just below the flat head. Examples like this are considered culturally significant artifacts and are prohibited from export from New Zealand, adding to its rarity. Please see photos.
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