Wooden Waihaka

Waihaka Club
Size(mm) 240 length x 90 width 
The Maori people being fierce warriors used a wide range of hand weapons.
The Wahaika is one of the many forms of fighting club used by Maori warriors and was reserved for only the highest ranking and most respected fighters. It is often given as a ceremonial piece on special occasions.
The carved figure on the edge represents either a sacred ancestor or the god of war. The Wahaika was held so that the figure faced the warrior so it could see over his shoulder to protect his back.