A rare and important 19th century taiaha (fighting staff), Arero (tongue) finely carved with rauponga spirals and deeply recessed pataki terminating at a pointed tip. Upoko (head) displays elliptical paua eyes with incised stria radiating from centre. Woven muka collar adorned with darkened kuri dog fur. Small chip to tongue surface, later suspension hole. Long slender tapering shaft with rounded end. Provenance: Dame Jenny Gibbs collection, 186 cm length.