WHAT DID MAORI USE TO KILL ANIMALS?

By Ainsley and Alex T

HUNTERS

Maori were expert hunters and fishermen. They wove fishing nets from harakeke (flax), and carved fish hooks from bone and stone.

HERE IS A PICTURE OF SOME OF THE WEAPONS THE MAORI USED

Spears, Clubs made of greenstone, the Taiaha, and a club with shark teeth on the sides. The Tūhoe as with other tribes had lots of different weapons and tools in their work and there fighting, one main weapon used by the Tūhoe was the patu. It is a short flat club usually made from wood, bone, or greenstone. Also known as a Waihaka. It is used in hand to hand combat. The Maori new where the weaker parts of the body were and they would aim for the temple or the jaw.

KotiateThe Kotiate were prized Maori weapons on the battlefield, as well as being wanted by many chiefs. The notches on the weapons sides are for catching the opponent's weapon. With the right flick and twist of the wrist, the opponent can be disarmed.TaiahaThis is one of the most well-known weapons of the Maori. It is A long club normally five feet in length and longer.

MERE

A short flat club usually made from wood, bone, or greenstone. Also know as a Patu or Waihaka. Used in hand to hand combat. Typical strike zones for warriors included the temple, the jaw and the ribs. 

Picture A 

 

Picture B 

 

Picture D 

Picture E 

WAHAIKA

This short club was used where quick in-fighting action required thrusting jabs. Held by a thong of dog skin through a hole in the handle and around the wrist and thumb.

KOTIATE

These were prized Maori weapons on the battlefield, as well as being favored by many chiefs during speech making. The notches on the weapons sides are for catching the opponents weapon.  

TAIAHA

One of the most well known weapons of the Maori. A long club typically five feet in length and longer.

TOKI POU TANGATA

Made for ceremonial occasions, characterized by a greenstone blade and a carved handle.

MORE INFORMATION

Traditionally a fine weapon was not only a prized possession but an insignia of rank, as well as being used for hand-to-hand combat. The brandishing of these weapons, particularly long clubs, are an important part of haka (war dances) performed by men. Those making individual speeches also carry a prized weapon, very often a short club, using practiced strokes to emphasise comments.

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