Taiaha

The taiaha is a long, slender hand weapon usually made from native hardwood – or in some instances whalebone – and is usually between 1.2 metres (3.9ft) and 2 metres (6.5ft) long. The point is carved to represent the human tongue (arero), above which is the forehead, eyes and upper lip, followed traditionally by a sheath of red Kākā (parrot) and dog hair (awe).