For sale us a great Maori Taiaha from early to mid 19th century. Showing traces of usage and handling, please check the pictures that are part of the description. There is a ancient collector name written on the bottom if the staff, the remaing letters are hard to read as can be seen on the close up picture. It is a close-quarters staff weapon made from hardwood, and used for short, sharp strikes or stabbing thrusts with efficient footwork on the part of the wielder. Taiaha have three main parts: the upoko (head), with the arero (tongue) protruding from it, used for stabbing the opponent and parrying; the ate (liver) or tinana (body), the long round part that is gripped; and the rau, the long flat blade that is the main striking part.