A tewhatewha is a long-handled Māori club weapon. It is shaped like an axe

Axe

The axe, or ax, is an implement that has been used for millennia to shape, split and cut wood; to harvest timber; as a weapon; and as a ceremonial or heraldic symbol...

 and, once formerly used in battle, is now used in ceremonies. Like Pouwhenua

Pouwhenua

Pouwhenua or pou whenua , are carved, wooden posts, or are fighting staffs used by Maori, the indigenous peoples of New Zealand. Pou whenua are wooden posts that mark territorial boundaries or places of significance. They are generally artistically and elaborately carved and can be found throughout...

 and Taiaha

Taiaha

A Taiaha is a traditional weapon of the Māori of New Zealand.It is a wooden, or sometimes whale bone, close quarters, staff weapon used for short sharp strikes or stabbing thrusts with quick footwork on the part of the wielder. Taiaha are usually between in length...

, this long club was designed for scientific sparring and lightning strokes and thrusts, aided by quick footwork on the part of the wielder.. The blows were not struck with the blade as one would with an axe, but rather with the thicker straight front edge. It was common for tewhatewha to be decorated with a bunch of split pigeon or hawk feathers which hang from a drilled hole near the lower edge of the extension. This decoration may have also had the added benefit of distracting or confusing the wielder's opponent.

External links

• Tewhatewha in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa